TEAMS at the middle and at the bottom of the pack plunge back to action as all of them are itching for a needed win the resumption of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
The Magnolia Hotshots (1-1) hope to get back on track when they square off against winless Kia Picanto (0-2) at 4:30 p.m. even as the Meralco Bolts (1-1) aim on doing the same against the Alaska Aces (0-2) in their own 7:30 p.m. encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Following an impressive opening game win, the Hotshots got derailed in their last outing by Barangay Ginebra, 89-78, on Christmas day.
Magnolia now hopes that it climbs the ladder again and cracks the upper echelon by regaining its winning ways.
On the other hand, the Picanto want to break into the win column after two straight losses, the last of which came at the hands of Phoenix, 125-102, last Dec. 27.
However, Kia welcomes the new year with a new coach.
First time PBA coach Ricky Dandan is set to make his debut as he now calls the shots for the Picanto, taking the place of Chris Gavina, who stepped down from his post last Dec. 30.
Kia is hopeful that this change can be a positive one for the team as it hasn’t won for the longest time.
In the second game, the Bolts are also looking to bounce back while the Aces are desperate to finally post a win.
After a positive start, Meralco bowed to defending champion San Miguel Beer, 97-103, last Dec. 27.
In its first game in 2018, Alaska is hoping that it can finally turn the corner after a forgetful 2017.
The Aces have yet to register a win in two games. They lost to TNT KaTropa, 98-106, last Dec. 29.