THE PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup playoffs begin with two quarterfinal matchups at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
The twin-bill features the two top seeds in Magnolia and NLEX battling separate foes.
Here is a preview of Game 1.
NLEX VS. PHOENIX SUPER LPG
When: Sunday, October 25. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Playoff road begins for NLEX
NLEX starts the playoffs after taking one of the top seeds with a 9-3 record out of Group A. The Road Warriors received the luck of the draw as well, avoiding the matchup against dangerous Barangay Ginebra.
But that doesn’t mean Phoenix Super LPG isn’t capable of pulling off an upset.
Only one day to prepare
Phoenix closed the elimination round on Friday with a 133-103 loss to Rain or Shine - and only learned about its opponent and schedule in the next round after clinching the No. 4 spot in Group B courtesy of Ginebra’s victory vs. Blackwater later in the night.
READ: Slumping Phoenix needs to regroup before quarterfinal vs NLEX
Preparations may not be the most optimum, but the Fuel Masters will surely try their best to clinch the Game 1 win.
Perk uncertain
One key player for Phoenix that could be out for Game 1 is Jason Perkins due to a foot injury that has actually kept him out for the final three games of the eliminations. With Perkins out, Ricci Rivero, Kenneth Tuffin, and Kai Ballungay must step up in the playoffs.
Deonte goes off
NLEX import Deonte Burton posted decent numbers in his first two games against weaker opponents, but was his best self in their final game of the elims last Wednesday when he scattered 43 points, six rebounds, three assists, and six blocks in NLEX's 135-133 loss to San Miguel, showing what he can really do against quality foes.
MAGNOLIA VS. TNT
When: Sunday, October 25. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
They meet again
Magnolia and TNT battle in another quarterfinal series, this time in a best-of-five affair. The Hotshots clinched the No. 1 seed in Group B with a 7-3 mark, but drew the Tropang 5G who finished at No. 4 in Group A with a 7-5 card.
READ: 'Prize' as top seed being duel with TNT? Magnolia will still take it
Magnolia suffered playoff setbacks against TNT in their two previous match-ups, including the 49th Season Philippine Cup where the Hotshots lost even with a twice-to-beat advantage. They also lost in this season's Philippine Cup, with TNT holding the playoff incentive. Things are even for this series, with both squads battling in a best-of-five.
RHJ returns for playoffs
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the import who brought TNT three championships, is back for their playoff run. RHJ was able to break in for the big stage by averaged 27.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in the Tropang 5G's last two games of the elims.
Is Zavier healthy enough?
Zavier Lucero missed Magnolia’s last outing in the elimins round against Rain or Shine due to a sprained ankle he sustained in practice. While the versatile wing is expected to play, the question is if he is at 100-percent.
Lucero posted strong numbers across the board with averages of 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks for the conference.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
