Following Potential Exposure, Embiid & Simmons Out of the All-Star Game

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers will not participate in Sunday’s All-Star Game competition due to the NBA’s COVID-19 protocol. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers duo might have been exposed to the virus prior to their arrival in Atlanta.

Wojnarowski, in a series of messages on social media, indicated that a barber that was in contact with Embiid and Simmons has tested positive for coronavirus.

Additional test has returned positive for the coronavirus on barber in contact with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, sources tell ESPN. League must make decision still, but it is highly unlikely Embiid and Simmons will be cleared to play today.

Shortly after that message, Wojnarowski revealed that the NBA has decided to hold Simmons and Embiid out of the event.

Following the news, Team Durant and Team LeBron will be down a player each for the main event of the All-Star Game showcase.