Charles Barkley’s Joel Embiid Prediction is Bad News for 76ers

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Down 0-2 against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers are in trouble heading back to their city.

Not only are they two games away from elimination, but the star center, Joel Embiid, is dealing with multiple setbacks, which forced another absence on Wednesday night.

With Embiid, the Sixers have a much better shot at winning. But if you ask the 76ers legend Charles Barkley, he doesn’t believe it makes a difference.

Charles Barkley Doesn’t Believe In The Sixers vs Knicks

“The Sixers can’t beat the Knicks,” Barkley said on Wednesday.

“The Knicks are a better team, in my opinion. We can always say whatever. … The only other team playing better than the New York Knicks is the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are playing great basketball. They’re not playing good basketball; they are playing great basketball. Everybody is clicking.”

The 76ers have played with and without Embiid in the series so far. With him, the Sixers were blown out with a 137-98 score. New York took a 1-0 lead.

Ahead of Game 2, Embiid started dealing with multiple ailments, including a hip and ankle injury. He was ruled out hours before the action, which came as a surprise, considering his original status on the report was probable.

The Sixers put up a better fight, but they were still handed a 108-102 loss.

Barkley Remains Skeptical Of Embiid

“I feel bad for Joel, but the Knicks are just a better team than the Sixers,” Barkley added.

“Joel is never going to be healthy for an extended period of time. I hate that, because he’s a great player when he’s healthy. But the notion that he’s going to come back and play four games so they can win those four games, I just don’t think so. In Game 1 they were attacking him in the pick and roll because he can’t move. The Knicks are going to win this series, and that’s just unfortunate for my Sixers.”

Embiid made his playoff debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics during the first round. He played in every matchup to close out the series, and managed to open up against the Knicks, marking five appearances in a row.

The Sixers haven’t put a status on Game 3 just yet, but Embiid’s health will remain a concern either way.