Philadelphia 76ers stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have been in quarantine for less than a week now. As the two stars traveled to Atlanta last weekend with the idea of participating in the 2021 NBA All-Star game, the two were rejected on Sunday morning when they entered into a protocol. the health and safety of the NBA.
Saturday night, Simmons and Embiid became aware that their barber had registered back in Philly an indefinite COVID-19 test. That prompted the NBA to make sure Simmons and Embiid stayed in quarantine in Atlanta until they got clearer results. Shortly after Embiid and Simmons were listed as questionable, the NBA did not dismiss them as a positive COVID-19 test returned from the individual.
Simmons and Embiid traveled back to Philly on separate private tours and quarantined when they arrived home. Ever since missing the All-Star game, the Sixers had been expected not to be present when the second half of the season comes off on Thursday night.
The 76ers travel to Chicago to face the Bulls later in the week, and it has now been confirmed that Simmons and Embiid will not be present. According to a team source, Embiid and Simmons are planning quarantine for seven days. So, both of them are ruled out for Thursday’s game because of a communication spree.
The good news is that both players continue to undergo a negative test. And if Embiid records a negative test Friday, he can be cleared for action against the Washington Wizards, according to sources. As for Simmons, he will miss both games this week and cannot return to Sunday night ‘s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_ & Instagram: @JGrassoNBA.