NLEX gets an acid test against Magnolia, while Rain or Shine looks to extend its winning streak against Blackwater as the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup plays its first game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday.
Here’s what to watch out for in the doubleheader.
League returns to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
The PBA plays its first game in 13 years at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Satuday, one of the seven playdates of the conference at the Manila venue controlled by the Philippine Sports Commission. The last time the league played at the venue was in the 2011 Fiesta Conference playoffs when B-Meg went up against San Miguel, and Barangay Ginebra battled Rain or Shine
FIBA flooring
Basketball fans will have an opportunity to see the same flooring used in the Fiba Basketball World Cup once again after the one used at the Mall of Asia Arena was moved to the PSC venue.
Blackwater (3-2) vs. Rain or Shine (2-4)
When: Saturday, April 6, 3 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live app
GOING FOR THREE
Rain or Shine goes for its third straight win in its battle against Blackwater. Wearing their retro Welcoat Dragons jersey, the Elasto Painters nailed their second consecutive win after beating Converge, 110-90.
BREAK A SLUMP
Blackwater is on a two-game losing skid after dropping a 92-91 defeat against Terrafirma at the nearby Rizal Memorial Stadium last March 17. On a 20-day break, the Bossing are hoping that Manila would be good to them this time at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rain or Shine currently leads the league in fastbreak points with 25.2 a game, although that hasn’t exactly translated into victories so far for the Elasto Painters.
Blackwater is second in points given up with 87.5. Two of their three wins were in games where the Bossing limited opponents to less than 80 points.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Adrian Nocum’s status is uncertain after missing Wednesday’s game due to an illness. The Rain or Shine rookie has been a revelation, averaging 18.4 points this conference.
Rey Nambatac’s numbers have been up and down. He struggled in their previous game, scoring nine points but shot 1-of-8 from the field.
NLEX (4-1) vs. Magnolia (1-1)
When: Saturday, April 6, 6:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live app
ON A ROLL
NLEX has the second longest winning streak in the conference at three games, but hasn’t played since its 103-97 victory over Blackwater last March 13 or for a total of 22 days.
MAGNOLIA BACK IN MANILA
Magnolia returns to the City of Manila hoping for the win. In its conference opener, Magnolia routed Converge, 106-75, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Hotshots will look to atone for their 87-77 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday in their second game of the conference.
CALVIN ABUEVA SUSPENDED
The Hotshots will miss Calvin Abueva due to a one-game suspension for flashing a dirty finger that was caught on live television during the loss to Barangay Ginebra.
HOW TO CONTAIN BOLICK
Robert Bolick has been on fire as he leads the league in scoring with 30.2 points. Now, he will be going up against a team that thrives on defense. Magnolia is giving up the least amount of points in the conference with an average of 81 a game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
After going scoreless in the first game of the conference, Jhan Nermal has been a solid contributor for NLEX with double-digit numbers in scoring. He had conference highs in the win against Blackwater where he had 17 points and seven rebounds.
With Calvin Abueva out, Abu Tratter has an opportunity to continue his good start. He is averaging 9 points and 7.5 rebounds, similar numbers from his Alaska/Converge days.
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