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The 2021 All-Star Game is still a few hours away, but Zion Williamson is already making waves, having been named a starter on Team Durant in wake of Joel Embiid getting ruled out due to contact tracing.
Zion Williamson will replace Joel Embiid as a starter on Team Durant, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
According to an NBA release, the decision to replace Embiid was made by Doc Rivers, the head coach of Team Durant, per NBA rules.
In the official release, League says Doc Rivers made the call for Zion to replace Embiid as a starter, per NBA rules. pic.twitter.com/GSDb7D9LKA
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 7, 2021
Embiid and Ben Simmons were both made unavailable by the NBA earlier today after coming into contact with a barber who tested positive for the coronavirus. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, this event occurred while the duo was in Philadelphia; thus, with all players having to quarantine upon immediate arrival in Atlanta, it is believed there was no spread of the virus or need to hold out other players due to contact tracing.
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
Zion Williamson spoke with media this morning prior to being named a starter.
Who: Team LeBron vs Team Durant
When: March 7, 7:00 p.m. Central
Where to watch: TNT
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