TNT looks to chalk up a fifth-straight win, while NLEX is desperate to stop a three-game losing skid in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Already assured of a quarterfinals berth, defending champion TNT looks to tighten its grip on the top spot in Group A of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
But that will be a tall task as the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Tropang Giga will face a Magnolia side parading Shabazz Muhammad on Tuesday, September 17.
The match starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Though Muhammad was obviously still groping for form, the 31-year-old reinforcement nailed the biggest baskets for Magnolia, including the game-winner in the 99-98 squeaker against Terrafirma last Friday, September 13.
“I know it’s an ugly win but I will take it,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, who added that he tapped Muhammad to replace Glen Robinson III so he would have someone to rely on in the clutch.
By Tuesday’s nightcap, Muhammad is already expected to be at full strength as the Hotshots hope to score back-to-back wins and improve their chances for a quarterfinal appearance in the season-opening joust.
“We had a meeting and he told me what he expected from me and that's the kind of thing I do,” said Muhammad, whose team improved to a 4-3 win-loss record thanks to the victory over Terrafirma.
“I kept my head going forward. I didn't play the whole third quarter due to three fouls. And he was like, 'I need you in this second half,' and I thought I did a good job on that. I was really, really happy about that, to uplift our team and get us that win.”
[RELATED STORY: ‘That’s the kind of thing I do’: Shabazz Muhammad takes over late for Magnolia in PBA win over Terrafirma]
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looks to join San Miguel atop Group B when it takes on a skidding NLEX in the opener.
While the Elasto Painters seem on track to make the post-season, NLEX is desperate to rekindle its flickering playoff hopes after dropping three straight games.
To help salvage their conference, the Road Warriors made a trade for Javee Mocon and brought in new import DeQuan Jones.
The two are expected to see action when Rain or Shine (5-2) and NLEX (3-4) collide at 5:00 p.m.