Just as TNT was beginning to find its rhythm in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup, the Tropang 5G suffered another setback in their grand slam bid.
Lead point guard Rey Nambatac has sustained a pulled groin injury that will sideline him for approximately four to six weeks.
The Tropang 5G made the announcement on Saturday.
Nambatac, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP, suffered the injury late in TNT’s 101-84 victory over the Meralco Bolts last Sunday.
With the expected recovery timeline, the 5-foot-11 guard from Cagayan de Oro is likely to miss the remainder of the elimination round.
(C) PBA Images
TNT is currently riding a three-game winning streak, improving to an even 3-3 record for solo seventh place after starting the conference 0-3.
Nambatac has been averaging 12.17 points, 3.67 assists, and 3.33 rebounds per game.
The Tropang 5G management now faces another challenge, having already lost veteran guard Jayson Castro for the rest of the season due to a full-thickness patellar tendon tear in his right knee, which he sustained during Game 2 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
With both Nambatac and Castro sidelined, Simon Enciso is expected to take on a larger role moving forward.
TNT still has five games left in the round, facing Rain or Shine on May 21, Northport on May 30, Blackwater on June 6, Ginebra on June 8, before closing out the elims against Magnolia on June 13.
