Fans and analysts alike have been quick to criticize Joel Embiid’s decision to sit out back-to-back games this season. While many understand the rationale behind preserving his health, others, like Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, are having none of it. Chuck, never one to mince words, has been particularly vocal about Embiid’s choices. So, what did he say this time? 

Chuck didn’t hold back when discussing Embiid’s approach to managing his workload. “You know what bothered me?” Barkley said on “They Call It Late Night”, “I have no problem with him resting, but you don’t say that sh-t before the season. That was handled really poorly. ‘Well, I’m not going to play back-to-back’. You don’t say that. I mean, like yeah, okay, you’re going to sit out when you get tired or you got something, but you don’t say it before the season.” 

The NBA legend continued, “I’ve never heard any jock, especially a great player, say, ‘Hey, you know what, I’m just not going to play back-to-back before the season starts.’” This came after Embiid himself had said earlier this year, “If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career.” 

His decision sparked frustration among fans, who see him as crucial to the Philadelphia 76ers’ success. While many empathize with the need to manage his knee issues, especially after appearing in just 39 games last season, it’s still a tough pill to swallow for those who expect their stars to give it their all. 

So far this season, the baller has played only 13 out of 33 games. And Barkley keeps taking him to task, being a 76ers icon himself and expecting better from his team. 

Earlier on “Inside the NBA,” Barkley remarked, “I don’t think it’s fair. I want to get this number right. He just signed for three years, $193 million to play basketball. People who have real jobs have to work 40-50 hours a week. We’re playing basketball, at the most, four days a week.”

However, it’s not just Embiid who’s drawn Barkley’s ire. The Sixers as a team have been underwhelming this season, plagued by injuries to key players like Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. With all these setbacks, the team’s potential has been severely limited. Still, Chuck has faith in them.

Can Charles Barkley’s bold playoff prediction hold up?

Despite his criticisms that at times go overboard according to NBA stars, Barkley isn’t completely dismissive of the 76ers. On an episode of “Inside the NBA,” he made a surprising playoff prediction: “If they play the Cavs in a series, I’m gonna take the Sixers. If they play the Knicks in a series, I’m gonna take the Sixers.” It’s a bold claim, considering the Cavaliers and Knicks have been two of the top teams in the league this season. 

The Cavs, led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, have been a powerhouse, while the Knicks, fueled by the Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns duo, have been equally powerful. The Sixers, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency. 

Still, Barkley, always loyal to his former, believes that if they’re healthy come playoff time, they could make some noise. But as Barkley himself noted, “it would just take a lot of things to go right” for them to overcome teams like the Cavs and Knicks in a seven-game series.

So, can the Sixers find their footing? The jury’s still out.