Sixers-Raptors observations: Joel Embiid’s rust, Ben Simmons’ lack of involvement

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors defeated the 76ers, 125-89, in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.

Here are some observations and best and worst awards:

- Joel Embiid’s appears to be more rusty than sick. While he does have a fever, the Sixers center hasn’t had a grueling practice in some time. And that was evident against the Raptors.

- Ben Simmons took just five shots in 25 minutes, 9 seconds of action, with only one of them coming after intermission. The Sixers won’t win another game as long as he continues to do that.

- Pascal Siakam is back, and that’s bad news for the Sixers in Game 6. That’s because Raptors forward, who played with a right calf contusion on Game 4, cooked everyone who guarded him in Game 5.

- Best performance: This goes to Siakam. He finished with a game-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds, two steals and one block.

- Worst performance: As much as Embiid struggled, I had to give this to JJ Redick. The Sixers shooting guard finished with three points while making 1 of 6 shots. He basically disappeared on this night.

- Best defensive performance: This goes to Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors All-Star finished with two steals. His first one came on the game’s opening possession when he took the ball from Simmons.

- Worst statistic: This goes to the Embiid’s eight turnovers.

- Best statistic: I have to give this to Toronto guard Danny Green making 5 of 7 three-pointers.

- Worst of the worst: The Sixers looked like a team that stopped fighting in the second half.