The 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup returns a day after the infamous fight-marred FIBA Qualifiers’ game involving Gilas Pilipinas and Australia.
While the attention remains on what happened with the National team Monday night, the PBA plunges back to action after more than a week of break with two critical games that are bound to dictate the fate of two teams.
San Miguel Beer (5-4) will be heavily favored when it faces ousted cellar-dweller Blackwater (1-9) at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City as it looks to formally secure a quarterfinals berth and stay inside the top six.
In the second game, Magnolia (4-5) faces the same situation as it is in a must-win situation when it takes on also ousted NLEX (2-8) at 7 p.m.
Currently in fifth place with a two-game winning streak, the Beermen look to continue their resurgence and hope to lock in a ticket in the quarters with another win.
A victory will not only send them to the playoffs, it will also ensure them a top six finish and allow them to avoid a twice-to-win disadvantage in the next round.
In its last victory, San Miguel smashed the Road Warriors, 125-114, as it showed the league that it is gearing up for the playoffs.
As for the Hotshots, they need to win their remaining two games to secure their own spot in the top eight.
Right now, Magnolia holds the No. 8 seed but it needs to win against NLEX to keep its position.
Phoenix at 4-6 is right in its tail for the last berth in the quarters with a game left in its schedule.
The Hotshots will parade their fourth import this conference as they hope that returning import Wayne Chism can help them regain lost bearings.
Ironically, Chism will be going up against his former mentor at Rain or Shine in now Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao.