THERE is a slim chance that Justin Brownlee will still play for Barangay Ginebra in critical Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT on Friday.
A source from inside the Ginebra camp bared that Brownlee is a game-time decision, meaning his condition before tip-off at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City will dictate on whether he will suit up or not for Game 4.
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“Bukas aalamin ng coaching staff, team doctor at PT’s if he can play or not,” said the source, who added Brownlee did not attend Ginebra 's brief practice a day after the 87-85 loss to the Tropang Giga in Game 3 on Wednesday night.
Brownlee never got to finish that game after dislocating his right thumb in a battle for a loose ball. The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player was treated on the bench and in the dugout but was eventually taken to a hospital.
According to insiders, Brownlee was taken to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jose Raul Canlas for evaluation, but was referred to a hand specialist.
“Dinala kay Dr. Raul Canlas kaso pinasa kami ni Doc Canlas sa isang hand specialist kasi dapat hand specialist daw 'yan,” said the source.
But there's one problem.
“Walang available na hand specialist ngayon sa Pilipinas kasi nasa convention sila lahat sa abroad," said the source. "April pa ang mga balik!”
With no clear evaluation, sources said the Ginebra team doctor, coaches, and physical therapists will make a collective decision in thje hours before a match, based on medical advice and how Brownlee feels.
“Lahat na kami siguro, coaching staff, duktor, PT at saka si JB mismo!”
Tapping a replacement import for Game 4 is out of the question for Ginebra. Although PBA rules allow for an import change at any point in the finals, there is no one available on such short notice for the Gin Kings.
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