Sixers’ Joel Embiid, Raptors Pascal Siakam put Cameroonian connection on hold as playoff series begins

TORONTO — Joel Embiid has love for fellow Cameroonian Pascal Siakam ... just not in this series.

That’s because the two are combatants for at least four games as the 76ers and Toronto Raptors squared off in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which began Saturday night in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

Embiid is looking to lead the Sixers to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2001 and Siakam and the Raptors will look to stand in Embiid’s way.

Both players will have a hand in determining the series outcome. A two-time All-Star, Embiid is regarded as the NBA’s best center and Siakam is a frontrunner for the NBA’s most improved player.

Toronto’s power forward averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while starting 79 of 80 games played this regular season. He averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists with just five starts during the 2017-18 season.

“When he does something, I text him,” Embiid said. “The same thing when I do something, too. But he’s had a hell of a year. It’s amazing how far he’s come, especially [compared] to where he was last year.”

He added that the three-year player’s growth from one season to the next is still a surprise. Yet, he’s happy and proud of his country man.

“But,” he said, "we’re not going to be friends during this series. I going to definitely try to [beat] him.”

Mike Scott said he’s making progress.

“I feel better each day,” said the Sixers’ reserve power forward, who missed Game 1 with a right heel contusion/plantar fasciitis.

Scott is not sure if he’ll be available for Game 2 on Monday.

“We will see,” he said. “I will keep doing treatment. We have a great staff. We will see each day.”

Scott has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for two weeks. However, he suffered a game-ending contusion in Tuesday’s series-clinching victory over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 5 of their opening-round series.

“It was already in pain that part of the game, [but the injury] took it over the edge a little bit,” Scott said.