New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will start in the 2021 NBA All-Star game.
Williamson will replace Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid, according to ESPN.
Both 76ers All-Stars, Embiid and Ben Simmons, have been ruled out in tonight’s game due to contact tracing.
The two players were in contact with a barber who tested positive for COVID-19, according to ESPN.
Williamson will now get the start for Team Durant. He was initially selected as an All-Star reserve.
The second year player for New Orleans will be the third player in franchise history to start in the All-Star game. Chris Paul and Anthony Davis were the other two players, while DeMarcus Cousins was selected as a starter but never played due to injury.
Williamson is averaging 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.
76ers and Team Durant head coach Doc Rivers is the one who selected Williamson as the replacement for Embiid.
The All-Star game is scheduled for Sunday, March 7 at 7 p.m. The game will air on TNT.