Charles Barkley makes a bold prediction about Joel Embiid’s 76ers ahead of ‘tough’ playoff road

If I'm Joel Embiid, I'm having a team meeting, 'Guys we gotta win one game at home. Everything's working out perfectly when you look at the brackets. The Knicks losing Randle, we gonna beat the Knicks, all we gotta do is win this one game.'. To me they're the second-best team in the Eastern Conference right now... If the Sixers win this game tomorrow, and they're going to win this game tomorrow, I'm thinking Conference Finals, I truly am. Charles Barkley said on NBA on TNT

Embiid’s return went quite well, as the center dropped 30-point games with ease in the last five games he has participated in. Players like Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Kelly Oubre Jr. have been leading the team so far in Embiid’s absence. Going up against the Heat, who also have some of their key players like Duncan Robinson probable for the Play-In along with Terry Rozier, the Sixers seem to have an edge over them.

Joel Embiid’s return is crucial for Sixers’ playoff success

Getting a win versus the Heat will definitely help the Sixers make a deep postseason run this year. The sole reason behind the same would be facing the Knicks in the first round. Julius Randle, the star forward of the Knicks has been ruled out for the season and will be re-evaluated in five months. The Knicks are now relying on Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart.

If the reigning MVP does make a return, the Sixers will have a clear edge over the Knicks in the playoffs. However, as Barkley said, winning over the Heat tonight will be the key to their playoff success.

It will be interesting to see if the Sixers can get past Jimmy Butler and company without Embiid. Though if The Process does suit up for the game, Philly will be looking at a probable deep postseason run and huge playoff success. The Sixers haven’t made it past the second round ever since Embiid established his dominance in the league.