Zion Williamson to replace Embiid as starter on Team Durant

This is Williamson's first All-Star Game, and he gets the start in peculiar fashion. Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson to replace Joel Embiid as starter on Team Durant

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/7/21

Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are unable to participate in the All-Star Game on Sunday after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Embiid was a starter for Team Durant, but now New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will start, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:

Zion Williamson will replace Joel Embiid as a starter on Team Durant, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021

This is Williamson's first All-Star Game after being selected by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.

The 20-year-old missed much of the 2019-20 season with a knee injury. This year, he's averaging a career-high 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 61.4% from the field and 31.6% from deep.

Williamson joins a Team Durant starting lineup that includes Bradley Beal, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum. Kevin Durant is unable to play in the game due to injury.

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