Meralco, winner in the Philippine Cup last June, kicks off the hostilities in Group A play as it tangles with Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup.
The PBA gifted fans with six playdates each week for the upcoming Governors’ Cup.
And more games mean more interesting matchups throughout the course of the import-spiced conference that will also introduce the four-point shot.
Here are some of the must-watch Group A games this conference:
[ALSO READ: Alfrancis Chua gives honest take on mixed reactions drawn from PBA's adoption of four-point line]
Meralco vs Magnolia
August 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Some championship teams suffer from post-championship blues, and it will be interesting to see if Meralco can sustain its fine play from its Philippine Cup conquest last June that gave the Bolts their first-ever title at the expense of mighty San Miguel.
Meralco is parading an intact lineup for the Governors’ Cup while the Hotshots will get to test the mettle of new acquisition Zav Lucero.
[RELATED STORY: Meralco keeps championship lineup intact for new PBA season]
Also, will fans get to see Magnolia's Paul Lee score the first four-point basket?
[ALSO READ: 'If you do not innovate, you die': PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas banks on 4-point shot to be a game-changer]
Terrafirma vs Converge
August 21, 5 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
It is important for the retooled Terrafirma to set the tone for the rest of the conference.
With new Dyip Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, things are looking up for the team that made the quarterfinals last conference.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: With former BPCs in the fold, Terrafirma Dyip shoot for another playoff berth]
Meanwhile, veteran Alex Cabagnot, 41, also looks to be the difference-maker for the young, win-starved FiberXers.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Aldin Ayo, Converge part ways just weeks before start of Season 49 | OneSports.PH
TNT vs Meralco
August 22, 7:30 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
In the middle of a roller coaster Philippine Cup last season, TNT coach Chot Reyes admitted the team is no longer as mighty as it used to be.
Meanwhile, Meralco is an emerging powerhouse from the MVP bloc after its breakthrough last conference.
This match is the best way for Reyes and reigning Governors' Cup titlist Tropang Giga, who recently nabbed Rey Nambatac in a trade with Blackwater, to gauge where they are as a team right now.
[RELATED STORY: TNT out to regain former glory in PBA starting with Governors' Cup title defense]
Magnolia vs NorthPort
September 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
New NorthPort playmaker Jio Jalalon will face the team that drafted him in 2016 and where he won a championship in 2018.
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In the offseason, Jalalon, formerly of Magnolia, was part of a trade package that also sent teammate Abu Tratter to NorthPort for Lucero.
With blockbuster trades in the offseason, new faces and marquee matchups, the PBA offers fans something new to look forward to this conference.