JIO Jalalon will miss Magnolia’s pivotal game against San Miguel on Friday due to a knee injury.
The Hotshots have placed Jalalon on their injured/reserve list on the eve of their PBA Philippine Cup face-off against the Beermen - the two sister teams' first since SMB won their Commissioner's Cup Finals showdown in six games.
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Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said Jalalon has been bothered by the injury for the past few games.
“Need muna i-rest at palakasin,” said Victolero.
The injury has led to a dip in Jalalon’s numbers especially in scoring Last April 17, Jalalon had seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals against Blackwater.
During their out-of-town game against Rain or Shine on Saturday, Jalalon had two points, two rebounds, and six assists.
Jalalon’s injury comes at a time when Magnolia appeared to have solved its injury woes following the return of Aris Dionisio from an ankle injury. Rome Dela Rosa is also set to return from an ankle injury after missing six games.
Mark Barroca has been playing hurt after spraining his right hand in the second game of the conference against Barangay Ginebra last March 31.
Jalalon is averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.9 steals (sixth in the league) for Magnolia this conference.
Magnolia will face San Miguel in a marquee match-up on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum with the Hotshots looking to deal the Beermen their first defeat of the conference.
The Hotshots are in a hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage, having won four straight games after an early struggle to the conference.
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