NICK Rakocevic will play for Magnolia Chicken Timplados on Wednesday when they go up against NLEX in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero made the confirmation as Rakocevic escaped serious injury after he got hurt when Jackson Corpuz landed into his right knee.
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The Hotshots take on the Road Warriors at 5:45 p.m.
The development is welcome news to Magnolia, which has been leaning on Rakocevic not only for scoring but also rebounding and defense. The youthful import is averaging 29.3 points, 21.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over three games with the Timplados Hotshots.
Magnolia has found itself in the solo lead with a 3-0 win-loss record after the Bay Area Dragons were dealt with a loss to Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.
Nick Rakocevic and the Hotshots look to tighten their grip on the lead.
The Hotshots won their third game on two late free throws by Paul Lee to overcome TNT, 94-92, last week.
NLEX (2-1) guns to return to its winning ways following its 111-97 defeat against Phoenix Super LPG on Saturday. The Road Warriors also look to hand head coach Frankie Lim his first win with the ballclub.
In the first game, Blackwater aims to win its second straight match-up as it faces NorthPort at 3 p.m.
The Bossing look to improve on their 2-2 win-loss record, and continue the momentum after their stunning 109-106 victory over San Miguel last week.
Blackwater drew huge games from Cameron Krutwig, who had 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in the victory. Baser Amer and second stringer Mike Ayonayon also played huge roles in the win.
NorthPort also has the same record as Blackwater after it dropped a 117-93 defeat against TNT on Saturday in a game where Robert Bolick was limited to 14 points.
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