The first game of the week in the PBA Philippine Cup is also likely the biggest one, with defending champion San Miguel taking on Terrafirma.
The PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup finally kicked into high gear, as teams now start to think about the playoffs with no more lengthy breaks ahead.
Let’s check out this week’s set of games to keep in step with the furious PBA action.
April 10 - Ninoy Aquino Stadium
San Miguel Beermen vs. Terrafirma Dyip - 4:30 p.m.
Magnolia Hotshots vs. NorthPort Batang Pier - 7:30 p.m.
The first game of the week is also likely the biggest one, with defending champion San Miguel taking on Terrafirma.
This matchup is the only one featuring the top-4 teams in the current standings, which should make for an interesting game.
Terrafirma is coming off an upset of Ginebra the last time out, while the Beermen have shown no signs of slowing down since their Commissioner’s Cup conquest, starting the Philippine Cup with four-straight wins.
April 12 - PhilSports Arena
Converge FiberXers vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters - 4:30 p.m.
Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel vs. Blackwater Bossing - 7:30 p.m.
While the Bossing and the Gin Kings are currently 5th and 6th in the standings respectively, they are bunched with three other teams with at least three wins each.
Getting a victory here and creating some sort of separation from that logjam could help kickstart their march towards the playoffs.
April 13 - Caloocan Sports Complex
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Terrafirma Dyip - 3:00 p.m.
April 13 - Candon, Ilocos Sur
TNT Tropang Giga vs. NLEX Road Warriors - 6:15 p.m.
NLEX is currently sitting in second place with a 5-1 record, and the Road Warriors getting win no. 6 should be a big boost as six wins traditionally get you in the PBA playoffs.
One can never be too sure though, especially as TNT looks to break free from a loaded mid-field by scoring back-to-back wins.
Speaking of the mid-field, the ROS-Terrafirma showdown should also prove pivotal as teams try to get into the top-8.
April 14 - Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Phoenix Fuel Masters vs. Magnolia Hotshots - 3:00 p.m.
NorthPort Batang Pier vs. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel - 6:15 p.m.
Depending on their earlier results this week, both NorthPort and Ginebra could either be streaking or be on a mini slide by the end of their Sunday showdown.
Nevertheless, the main event of this week’s slate will have big effects on the team standings.