NLEX will continue to play with a depleted lineup going to its all-important PBA Commissioner's Cup game against Barangay Ginebra this weekend.
Coach Frankie Lim said the Road Warriors will still be without injured players Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Dave Marcelo, and Matt Nieto when they take on the defending champions in Legazpi City on Saturday.
The three didn't see action in NLEX's 107-103 win over Converge Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"It's hard to play when most of your players are injured. Brandon did not play. Marcelo didn't play, and that's two bigs. And Nieto is out, so medyo kulang-kulang kami," said Lim.
Ganuelas-Rosser is out with a shin injury, while both Nieto and Marcelo are down with hamstring injuries.
Herndon sprains ankle
To make matters worse, gunner Rob Herndon sprained his ankle in the game against Converge.
"Na-sprain pa si Herndon and I don't think he can play against Ginebra," said the NLEX coach.
Ganuelas-Rosser out for a week
Ganuelas-Rosser could be out for a week, according to Lim. The sophomore big man last played on Dec 22 in a 104-97 win over Blackwater where he finished with 12 points and four rebounds
"Pinag-pahinga siya ng doctor, and I think it's going to be more than a week. I don't think he's going to play against Ginebra," said Lim. "Day-to-day. Parang ganun ang treatment sa kanya. Check up siya again and titignan kung ok na siya ulit."
Nieto and Marcelo could be out for a longer period of time.
"Grabe yung injuries namin kasi Nieto is like out for two months and Marcelo is out already for almost a month. Eh hindi pa gumagaling. Hope they will get ready soon," Lim said.
The game against Barangay Ginebra could be a make or break for the quarterfinals bid of NLEX, which is currently tied with TNT with similar 4-6 records and tied for the eighth and last spot.
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