Fuel Masters, Gin Kings eye crucial victories
Playoff positioning takes center stage on Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as Phoenix Super LPG and TNT Tropang 5G collide, while Barangay Ginebra and Meralco meet in a crucial doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix is banking on the return of import Jonathan Williams to revive its campaign after a 130-103 loss to Converge, where injured reinforcement James Dickey III sat out. Williams, a former Best Import awardee, averaged 24.5 points and 16.4 rebounds in his last stint and is expected to anchor the Fuel Masters’ push for a quarterfinal berth—and possibly a top-four finish.
“We have to compete no matter what,” coach Charles Tiu said.
Scoring leader
Phoenix needs at least two wins in its remaining schedule to secure a playoff spot, with games against Macau and San Miguel still on the horizon.
TNT, meanwhile, seeks a seventh win in 10 games following a 119-112 victory over Macau that boosted its quarterfinal bid. Another win would strengthen its chances of finishing in the top four and earning a twice-to-beat advantage. The Tropang 5G will lean on high-scoring import Bol Bol, who leads the league with 38.0 points and 4.2 blocks per game.
In the nightcap, Ginebra puts its five-game winning streak on the line against Meralco. A victory would create a three-way tie for first place at 8-2, while a loss could derail its bid for the top seed.
Meralco, at 5-3, is equally desperate to halt its slide and stay in contention for a top-four finish. A win would improve its standing to 6-3, while another loss risks dropping the Bolts deeper into a crowded middle pack.
