Barkley’s Knee Injury Could Mean End of His Season

Another turbulent season may have ended for Charles Barkley.

After sitting out a one-game suspension for a spitting incident, the star of the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a knee injury Sunday in the 76ers’ 110-101 victory over Cleveland at Philadelphia.

Barkley bumped into teammate Rick Mahorn halfway through the third quarter and had to be helped off the court.

Team doctor Jack McPhilemy said the injury, which he called a second-degree ligament tear in the left knee, could end Barkley’s season. A more definitive prognosis will be available after tests today, the doctor said.

Barkley is the 76ers’ scoring leader with a 28.4 average, their leading rebounder with 10 per game and is fourth in assists with four per game.

With a 40-32 record, the 76ers have the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, which means they would open the playoffs on the road. Philadelphia is 13-23 away from home this season.

In 27 minutes before colliding with Mahorn, 6 feet 10 and 260, Barkley had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Armon Gilliam, who had 21 points in the 76ers’ 40th victory, the 27th in 36 home games, lamented the loss.

“Charles leaves a big void,” Gilliam said. “He means so much to the team.”

Barkley had sat out a game against Charlotte after being suspended by the league for allegedly spitting at a heckler and hitting an 8-year-old daughter of a New Jersey net season ticket-holder. He also was fined $10,000.

Before Sunday’s game, Barkley admitted it was wrong for him to spit, but denied he intentionally meant to hit anybody.

Earlier this season, Barkley was warned about abusive behavior toward fans, had a fight with teammate Manute Bol and was fined for yelling at Coach Jim Lynam.