RAIN or Shine is facing a 0-2 deficit against TNT and needs all the help it can get in Game Three of their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinal playoff.
Don't expect it to come from Caelan Tiongson.
The impressive Rain or Shine rookie has been out since suffering a calf strain in the Elasto Painters' quarterfinal series against Magnolia and coach Yeng Guiao doesn't expect him to return anytime soon.
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According to Guiao, the Elasto Painters' No. 7 pick in the last PBA Rookie Draft has yet to rejoin the team in practice as he continues his therapy.
"Malamang long wait pa," Guiao said curtly when asked on the time table for Tiongson's return. "Still not able to practice."
Rain or Shine was able to overcome the 32-year old's absence in do-or-die Game Five of their Final 8 playoff against Magnolia but have struggled against TNT through two games in the semifinals.
In all, the Elasto Painters have lost six straight semifinal games dating back to their sweep at the hands of San Miguel in the last conference.
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