Sixers-Raptors observations: Joel Embiid looks healthy; Philly physicality unmatched

The 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 116-95, Thursday in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at Wells Fargo Center.

Here are some observations and best and worst awards:

- Joel Embiid looks healthy. When Embiid is healthy and making his free throws, the Raptors have no answers for the Sixers post player, who has been battling left knee tendinitis this season and was dealing with gastroenteritis in Game 2.

- The Raptors continue to get pounded on the boards and struggle to make three-pointers. This time, the Sixers had a 45-35 rebounding advantage and Toronto made just 7 of 27 threes (25.9 percent).

- The Raptors are having a tough time matching the Sixers’ physicality, leading Toronto to become frustrated and question why the refs aren’t calling fouls in certain situations.

- Best performance: This was easy. Embiid gets this for finally displaying his offensive skill set this series. The Sixers’ two-time All-Star center finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks, and graded out at game-best plus-31.

- Worst performance: This was a tough one, but it goes to Kyle Lowry. The Raptors point guard scored 7 points and shot 2-for-10. He missed all four of his three-pointers. The five-time All-Star graded out at a game-worst minus-28.

- Best defensive performance: Embiid gets this for his five blocks.

- Worst statistic: This goes to the Raptors’ producing only three second-chance points..

- Best statistic: I have to give this to the Sixers’ shooting 87 percent (20-for-23) from the foul line.