RAIN or Shine braces for Bol Bol and TNT after picking up a win in its first game of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup last Saturday.
The Elasto Painters hurdled the Macau Black Knights, 116-109, ahead of their match-up against the Tropang 5G on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum which is also going to serve as Bol’s first PBA game.
READ: Rain or Shine survives Macau to get going in PBA Comms Cup
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao expects TNT to have its advantages, as the Tropang 5G had the opportunity to scout the Elasto Painters in their first match playing with their import Jaylen Johnson.
But that doesn’t mean that Rain or Shine doesn't have its own advantage, as Bol could still be in the adjustment phase for that match-up.
“Playing TNT and not having seen them play with Bol Bol, I think, gives them some sort of an advantage. They’ve seen us play now,” said Guiao.
“But at the same time, we also look at it as an advantage on our part for them to be playing their first game because I’m sure there’s going to be some adjustments on their part also."
Rain or Shine and TNT meet again after being perennial semifinal opponents in all three conferences last season, including facing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the two import-flavored tournaments.
The Elasto Painters, however, were unable to battle against the Tropang 5G last conference in the 50th Season Philippine Cup after they were ousted by Meralco in the first round of the playoffs.
For this elimination round encounter, Rain or Shine is taking on the 7-foot-3 Bol, who has a resume of playing for three teams in the NBA from 2019 to 2025 before deciding to take his act in the Philippines with TNT, his first overseas stint.
“I’m sure Bol Bol is going to be feeling out the game and making some adjustments. That might be an advantage for us, him not being able to familiarize and acclimatize himself with the local game,” Guiao said.
“Cuts both ways, could be an advantage or disadvantage. But we have a few days to prepare for that."
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