“They Got No Chance Without Joel Embiid!”: Charles Barkley Fears Sixers’ Fate Against Celtics Without MVP Finalist

The Philadelphia 76ers wrecked the Brooklyn Nets in the 1st round, finishing the series with a sweep. Joel Embiid missed Game 4 due to a knee injury, but James Harden and co. finished the series without their MVP Finalist. It’s been eight days since Game 4, and the Sixers are headed to Boston for Game 1 of the 2nd round tomorrow. With no update on Joel’s knee, Charles Barkley isn’t feeling too enthusiastic about the 76ers’ chances.

Joel Embiid is a key part of the Sixers and as of now, there aren’t any positive updates about his injury. He’s been listed as doubtful for Game 1.

76ers’ Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 1 vs. Celtics, Doc Rivers says.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2023

On top of that, Shams Charania of The Athletic also reported (via Twitter) that his injury may be more serious than the LCL sprain we all had thought.

Sources: The knee injury 76ers star Joel Embiid suffered April 20 is considered to be more serious than a Grade 1 LCL sprain. He is currently doubtful for Game 1 vs. Boston.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2023

Charles Barkley talks about the impact of Joel Embiid missing Games in the 2nd round

Joel Embiid is an MVP Finalist for the third straight year, showing how consistently good he has been. Heading to Boston for round 2, he’ll face the challenge of holding down Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, the task becomes even more daunting as Embiid is dealing with a knee injury.

The guys discussed the same on Inside the NBA. Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts, talking about how he’d have liked to see Embiid at 100%, but if he isn’t, the Celtics should take advantage of that. While Shaq still hoped the Sixers have a run in them, Charles Barkley was a little more blunt. He said,

“They got no chance without Joel Embiid. Zero. I feel bad for them. He’s had an MVP-caliber season, he’s a great player. If he can’t play in Game 1, that means he’s not a 100% for Game 2 or Game 3.”

“They got no chance without Joel Embiid. Zero.”

Chuck on Joel Embiid’s status heading into the Boston series pic.twitter.com/GYtlwmtyvN

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 30, 2023

While I want to think like Shaq here, what Barkley said here makes more sense. Holding the mighty Celtics without Joel Embiid would be impossible.

NBA MVP to be announced on Tuesday

After finishing as the MVP runner-up for two straight years, Joel Embiid has a chance to win the Michael Jordan trophy on Tuesday. He’s up against Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo(again) for the honors.

It was a very close race throughout the month of March and the start of April. Sometimes Embiid had the upper hand, the other times it was Jokic. I guess we’ll have to wait till Tuesday evening to find out whether Jokic wins his 3rd consecutive MVP or whether Embiid becomes MVP for the first time.