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
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a free throw against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“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
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court after defeating the 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
“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.
Charles Barkley’s Joel Embiid Prediction is Bad News for 76ers