Report: No plans to replace Embiid, Simmons in All-Star Game

There are no plans to replace Embiid and Simmons on such short notice. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Report: No plans to replace Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons in All-Star Game

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/7/21

Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have been ruled out for the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there are no plans to replace Embiid and Simmons on such short notice:

At this late hour, there are no plans to replace Embiid and Simmons in the All-Star Game, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021

The barber Embiid and Simmons go to reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, and they recently came into contact with him, per The Athletic's Shams Charania:

The exposure occurred with Embiid and Simmons‘ personal barber who had a positive test result and is awaiting another test. Both traveled by themselves on private planes, and had no exposure to other players or people down in Atlanta bubble. https://t.co/PeiSFzzPZS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2021

Embiid had been picked by Kevin Durant and was a starter for "Team Durant," while LeBron James selected Simmons. It's the fourth All-Star selection for Embiid and third for Simmons.

Players around the league slammed the NBA's decision to host the All-Star Game amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With two players now out for the festivities due to the virus, those who complained before the event will likely make their displeasure known when it's over.

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