RAIN or Shine and TNT are in line for another semifinal clash, this time in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup, and that could be arranged as early as Saturday when they face separate foes to begin their playoff campaign.
The Elasto Painters face Meralco, and the Tropang 5G tangle with Magnolia armed with both enjoying twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.
READ Paul Lee reactivated, LA Tenorio stays on for Magnolia in PBA QFs
If it happens, the semifinal face-off would be the fourth straight for Rain or Shine and TNT, which has won all previous three.
Here is a preview to get you let you catch up with previous match-ups and recent happenings of the four teams in action.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. MERALCO
When: Saturday, December 27. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Another trip to the semis eyed
Rain or Shine is looking to book its fifth straight semifinal appearance. The Elasto Painters put themselves in position for another semifinal appearance after finishing at No. 2 in the team standings with an 8-3 win-loss record. One of their victories was a 96-95 victory over Meralco last October 11.
Bolts try to stay alive
Meralco is seeking to extend its conference with a victory on Saturday. The Bolts have not advanced to the semifinals over the last three conferences, or since they won the 2024 Philippine Cup crown. Meralco claimed the seventh seed in the playoffs on a 6-5 win-loss record.
Villegas activated
Saturday could be the day that we are finally going to see Luis Villegas again on the court. Villegas has been activated by Rain or Shine for the team’s playoff run. The No. 3 pick in the Season 48 Draft last played for Rain or Shine on October 18, 2024 in Game 5 of the Governors’ Cup semifinals against TNT.
MAGNOLIA VS. TNT
When: Saturday, December 27. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
TNT also out for another semis seat
After a near-grand slam, TNT is in search of another title run, and its playoff bid starts on Saturday. A victory will move the Tropang 5G to their fourth straight semifinal appearance, and another possible clash with Rain or Shine in the Final Four.
Magnolia tries to stay alive
The Hotshots found themselves in a twice-to-win situation in their quarterfinal clash against TNT. After going 5-2 to start the conference, Magnolia lost three of its last four games to go down to the No. 6 spot in the team standings.
Virtual best-of-three affair
TNT and Magnolia actually played each other at the close of their elimination round campaign, virtually making this series a best-of-three quarterfinal affair. The Tropang 5G defeated the Hotshots, 94-83, thanks to Jordan Heading exploding with 23 points.
Paul Lee reactivated
After being sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Paul Lee has been reactivated just in time for Magnolia’s playoff run. Jerom Lastimosa, however, has stayed in the injury list due to an ankle sprain, leaving LA Tenorio to continue his role as the playing coach during the playoff run.
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