The top two teams continue their quest for more success as front-runners Phoenix and Rain or Shine plunge back to action against separate rivals.
The unbeaten Fuel Masters (4-0) want a firmer grip on the top spot when they go for a fifth straight win against fellow streaking team NLEX (2-3) at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena today.
The second-running Elasto Painters (4-1) will then try to keep in pace when they shoot for a third straight win when they face NorthPort (2-1) at 7 p.m. in the nightcap.
The last time out, Phoenix further showed its strength by scuttling Blackwater, 114-95, for its fourth straight win last week.
Fuel Masters’ top gunner Matthew Wright is glad to see his team’s hot start and development this early in the season.
“Honestly, it’s a great feeling. Seeing everything develop for us feels really good,” said Wright. “I’m very happy with how we’re playing right now.”
The Road Warriors, though, are expected to be a tough customer for Phoenix.
After starting at the bottom with a 0-3 slate, NLEX has picked it up, racking up two straight wins, the last one against Meralco, 87-83, to get back into the thick of things.
However, the Road Warriors once again lost a key cog in Kevin Alas, who tore his ACL again on his right knee a year after the first tear. He is already out for the season.
Staying steady in second place, the Elasto Painters aim on flying higher as a win can possibly put them up top, depending on the result of Phoenix and NLEX’s tussle.
Rain or Shine has been consistent with its fresh attack, victimizing Alaska, 85-72, last Sunday to keep the ball rolling.
It expects a tough challenge ahead from NorthPort, which will play its first game in almost two weeks.