Joel Embiid is entering the NBA health and safety protocols

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 8 and is now entering NBA health and safety protocols. 

Forced to cope with the absence of Ben Simmons all season, Philadelphia’s Sixers have adapted accordingly, winning eight of their 10 games so far this season.

Now, they’re set to lose another one of their star players in Joel Embiid, as Embiid tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning per Adrian Wojnarowski.

According to NBA health and safety protocols, Embiid will sit out the 76ers’ Monday night game against the New York Knicks. Embiid will be out for at least 10 days, which will cause him to miss at least five games. At the earliest, Embiid would be able to return sometime late next week while Philadelphia is in the midst of a six-game stretch of away games.

76ers center Joel Embiid tests positive for COVID-19; remains out for at least 10 days

Embiid was already set to miss the Monday night game against the Knicks due to a day of planned rest for the eight-year NBA veteran. The 76ers host the Knicks on  Monday, then another game on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, which can be taxing for any NBA player in need of rest and recuperation.

Now, it has been revealed that Embiid contracted COVID-19, making him the fourth 76er currently in health and safety protocols. Forward Tobias Harris and guards Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Joe are also quarantining due to COVID-19.

Embiid’s presence has been a saving grace for the 76ers as they champion on without Simmons. As Philadelphia’s leading big man, Embiid 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and a career-high 4.0 assists in nine games. The 76ers lead the Eastern Conference with an 8-2 record, which could quickly change in a night against the Knicks without Embiid on the court. With Embiid out, Andre Drummond is set to play in his stead.

Ideally, the 10-day rest will allow Embiid not only to heal his body from coronavirus, but also allow him to fully recover from the knee injuries he’s been battling throughout this season.

Philadelphia just lost one of its key players, which will test the strength of this team in the week to come.