RAIN or Shine and NLEX collide in a game between the top two teams in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup, while Magnolia and Titan Ultra face off in a game that could decide their fate in the quarterfinals.
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MAGNOLIA VS. TITAN ULTRA
When: Wednesday, April 29. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Get back to winning… or else
Magnolia targets its fifth win in its 10th game of the conference when it goes up against Titan Ultra. The Hotshots were defeated in their previous game by Rain or Shine, 91-82, last Saturday to go down to 4-5. A win would move them in a tie with San Miguel at seventh place. But a loss would slide them to a share of eighth place with Converge, giving the FiberXers life in their playoff bid.
Out to remain in playoff contention
Titan Ultra lost its fourth straight game after a 119-107 defeat against Barangay Ginebra last Sunday. With a 2-7 win-loss record, the Giant Risers still have a shot at the quarterfinals if they win against Magnolia.
Chapman woeful from the outside
One of Clint Chapman's strengths is his ability to shoot from the outside. But on Saturday, Chapman missed all five three-point attempts in the game. He still ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds, but his outside shooting is still needed.
NLEX VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Wednesday, April 29. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Crucial tiff between NLEX, Rain or Shine
The top two teams in the league today square off in an important clash for playoff positioning. Rain or Shine (8-1) battles NLEX (7-2), with the winner of the game gaining headway in the race for the top seed.
Getting back on track
Rain or Shine regained its winning ways in its previous game when it upended Magnolia, 91-82, after it was handed its first loss of the conference by Phoenix Super LPG.
Coming from a shaky win
NLEX won its fourth game over the last five after beating Terrafirma, 95-85, bouncing back from a previous loss to San Miguel.
Tough outing for Schonny
Saturday's win by NLEX over Terrafirma was the first time that Schonny Winston had an off-night after shooting just 1-of-12 from the field, finishing with only four points. Winston will try to atone in an important game.
Tough injuries for Rain or Shine
Rain or Shine enters the game against NLEX with unfortunate news that Felix Lemetti and Jun Roque will miss extended time due to their respective injuries. Lemetti will miss the rest of the conference due to a partial ACL tear, while Roque is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a full ACL tear.
Mamuyac's offense
Gian Mamuyac showed an improved dimension to his game as he scored a conference-high 25 points in the Elasto Painters' win over the Hotshots. Mamuyac's presence will be needed even more with Lemetti and Roque out due to injuries.
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