The league’s health and safety protocols have struck the Philadelphia 76ers once again. After dealing with the protocols in January, their two All-Stars are dealing with it at the moment in Atlanta.
Star duo Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have officially been ruled out for the All-Star game on Sunday due to contact tracing with a barber they came in contact with before they took the trip to Atlanta. The barber had an inconclusive test and there was hope that they could play, but the barber’s test has returned positive and the star duo have been ruled out for the game on Sunday night.
The NBA is ruling out Embiid and Simmons for All-Star Game, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/PSiQ8xiOMo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
The important part for the Sixers is making sure they get their two best players back as quickly as possible. At this point in time, safety is the top priority and the league is doing what is best for the players. Embiid and Simmons will have to quarantine for seven days before they can play again so they will miss their games against the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards to begin the second half.
The NBA's worst nightmare in Atlanta has been an outbreak among the best players in the world. Embiid and Simmons didn't have contact w/ peers there. In the instance involving the two Sixers stars, players have been kept in contact tracing and quarantine for 7 days this season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
Embiid and Simmons were not in contact with any other player in Atlanta so the game can still happen, but for Philadelphia, this is a tough blow to handle as they begin the second half of the season.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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