Rain or Shine will look to strengthen its Top Four bid when the current leaders face Phoenix in a duel between two of the league’s younger teams in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup this Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Game time is set at 7:30 p.m., with the Elasto Painters keen on netting their eighth win in as many games as they’re keen on trying to finish within the upper half of the Final Eight for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Coach Yeng Guiao had said that they initially eyed to win seven to secure a spot in the playoffs’ first round since it is historically the magic number for teams to qualify, based on the past two editions of the midseason tilt with guest teams.
They’ve checked that off their list following a 124-117 victory over Terrafirma last Wednesday, in which they tied the league’s record for most threes made in a single game when they knocked down a total of 23 from the outside.
The champion mentor actually didn’t like his wards’ effort on defense, but was nonetheless glad with the way they shot the ball from beyond the arcs.
“Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” said Guiao, whose men also finished with 31 assists in that game. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”
According to the Casino Plus sportsbook, Rain or Shine is a favorite to emerge triumphant given its form, of course. The crew is seen to win by -11.5 points, with the over/under in total points scored between the two set at 224.0
Bets can be made here: https://www.casinoplus.com.ph/home/inGame?name=basketball&title=SportBet.
Despite being favored, the Elasto Painters are set to face a Fuel Masters team that’s coming in with renewed confidence, having gotten back on track after a two-game skid by beating Blackwater, 125-108, last Friday in Montalban.
Phoenix improved its record to above .500 once more (4-3), and Coach Charles Tiu is hoping that the law of averages will be in their favor versus RoS.
“I’m just thinking and praying that they’re bound to lose. I mean, they have to lose at some point. I hope it will be to us,” said the young bench tactician.
“We have to play better. If we play well, I still think we can compete with any team in this league, as long as we play together and play our A-game.”
Set to open the twinbill offering at 5:15 p.m. will be Macau and Titan Ultra in a meeting between two of the ongoing conference’s doormat teams.
The Giant Risers are entering the match as the better team record-wise (2-5), and with a pinch of confidence as well after giving TNT a major scare the last time out before bowing to a 97-92 result as Bol Bol’s 50 was too much.
Surely, they’d want to get that form going and hope that it leads to a win when they face a squad that’s yet to taste a win in its first foray in the PBA.
The guest team has been dwelling at the bottom of the standings with a depressing 0-7 record, with its latest loss a 106-97 decision at the hands of JB Bahio and current second-place holder NLEX in Antipolo exactly a week ago.
However, the Casino Plus sportsbook is actually in favor of Coach Marcus Elliott and his charges. The Black Knights are seen to win by a narrow -1.5 points, with the over/under in total points scored set at 217.0.
