Expect fireworks when Magnolia Hotshots and San Miguel Beermen lock horns in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup this Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is set at 5:15 p.m., with both heavyweights keen on shaking off the bitter taste of their previous losses in a clash between teams that once battled for the midseason conference’s ultimate prize not so long ago.
The Hotshots, just about 48 hours ago, suffered a 91–89 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in another Manila Clasico chapter, falling on an RJ Abarrientos clutch basket after struggling to execute in the final possession.
It foiled the bid of Coach Chito Victolero and his charges to secure a third straight win. Worse, it also marked their fourth defeat in six outings so far.
The Beermen, on the other hand, are coming in with bruised egos after being outplayed by the younger Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 116–112, last Wednesday.
They trailed by as many as 25 points, but showed poise in the end, with Marcio Lassiter spearheading a fourth-quarter comeback. However, the Elasto Painters had just enough fuel for a strong finish.
Still, they are hoping to take positives from that rally, despite falling short, as they aim to climb back above the .500 mark (3–3) against the Hotshots.
As far as the Casino Plus sportsbook is concerned, the Beermen are favored to win with a -4.0 spread, while the over/under is set at 203.5.
Bets can be placed here: https://www.casinoplus.com.ph/home/inGame?name=basketball&title=SportBet.
(C) PBA Images
Meanwhile, taking the Big Dome floor at 7:30 p.m. will be the Kings and Phoenix, with the former looking to build a winning streak for the first time this conference.
Tim Cone has expressed excitement in facing Charles Tiu in a coaching battle for the first time, but the crowd favorites remain wary, as they are up against a team coming off a blowout loss.
The Fuel Masters were beaten by the NLEX Road Warriors, 120–102, exactly a week ago, where they fell to a balanced attack sparked by Deschon Winston.
Ginebra San Miguel enters the matchup as the favorite to emerge victorious.
According to the Casino Plus sportsbook, the Fuel Masters are +5.0 underdogs, while the over/under for total points is set at 199.0.
