CHICAGO - The medical updates on June Mar Fajardo's injuries are the kind of news that could induce a heart attack among the most avid San Miguel Beer fans.
Already dealing with a calf injury that morphed from a "strain" to a slight tear," the Cebuano giant experienced hamstring "tightness" last Wednesday night while beating Ginebra in Game Seven of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series.
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Although he has managed that ailing calf well and the hamstring has been dismissed as "not a concern," it's still clear that the eight-time MVP is not 100 percent healthy.
Which means a wide opening is available for TNT to exploit when both teams begin the best-of-seven finals on Sunday.
When unburdened by aches and pains,the 6-foot-11, 268-lbs center is an unstoppable force in the all-Filipino conference, a distinction that he has proven again by averaging 16 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 19 games heading into the title round.
STOPPING A FORCE OF NATURE.
With San Miguel's immovable object at less than full force, TNT's Poy Erram and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser stand a chance of actually containing Fajardo instead of being just bounced around like pinballs under the basket.
How Fajardo moves or plods in Game One, what his limitations are, if any, will dictate the outcome of this series.
Look, there is plenty of talent on both sides to make a compelling series but outcome-wise, only Fajardo holds the key. He is the import in an import-less conference and he hasn't slowed down at age 35.
Only an idiot, and that includes myself, believed TNT can't win without Mikey Williams. That take was as fake as collagen on a woman's bursting breasts.
But now that the MVP franchise is safely in the finals, I do know they need a healthy roster to complete the grand slam bid where up to seven-month bonuses are at stake for the players, I am told.
WOUNDED TROPA.
Calvin Oftana's bad left ankle didn't seem to make him wince much the last time he was on the court with Rain or Shine, so he's good to go especially after a seven-day rest.
Roger Pogoy is still day-to-day, like most of us on this green earth. Unlike him, though, we don't wake up with a groin discomfort. TNT needs him and his outside shooting to battle the SMC zone that slayed Ginebra two nights ago.
Kelly Williams is also "doubtful" with an ankle injury, a potential absence that takes away from TNT's passion, aggression and rebounding.
But Kim Aurin and Glenn Khobuntin are injury-free and it's always a good day at TNT when those Bisaya dogs are looking for a good bite.
Although San Miguel coach Leo Austria outfoxed the mighty Tim Cone in Game Seven, I still think Chot Reyes is the better, more experienced, and more savvy bench tactician.
But then again, Austria has Fajardo, which is like being armed with a rifle in a gunfight.
While many PBA fans are depressed and prone to alcohol intake with the absence of Ginebra in the championship battle, TNT versus San Miguel is a palatable series to invest time on.
Enjoy this one because it's going to be a long time before the PBA returns from an extended break to give way to the FIBA window.
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