No such thing as a no-bearing game as TNT looks to rebuild momentum for the PBA playoffs, while NorthPort is out to pick up one final victory in the Governors' Cup.
This game might not affect the standings, but it could dictate the immediate future for both TNT and NorthPort.
Going their contrasting ways, the Tropang Giga and the Batang Pier are set to face off Sunday in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup
TNT enters the game with a strong 7-2 record, tied for the best in the league and with a sure slot to the playoffs.
However, they are coming off a surprising loss to Terrafirma, which snapped a five-game winning streak.
[Related: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tallies monster double-double in close TNT win]
As the defending Governors’ Cup champions, the Tropang Giga will be eager to bounce back and regain their momentum as they head into the playoffs, where will take on the no. 4 team from Group B.
NorthPort, on the other hand, showed promise but has ultimately struggled this conference, posting a 3-6 record and losing three straight games coming in.
The Batang Pier have also dropped five of their last six contests, and to make matters worse, they recently lost returning import Venky Jois to a partial Achilles tendon tear.
With their playoff hopes already dashed, NorthPort will be looking to salvage some pride and end the Governors’ Cup on a high note.
[Related: Meralco downs NorthPort as Batang Pier lose Venky Jois early to injury]
This first game of a Sunday double-header presents TNT with an opportunity to fine-tune its game ahead of the playoffs, while NorthPort will be fighting to break its slump and play spoiler against the defending champions.
Tip off will be at 5:00 p.m. live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]