Philsports Arena
4 p.m. NorthPort Batang Pier vs TNT Tropang Giga
8 p.m. NLEX Road Warriors vs Magnolia Timplados Hotshots
Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon.–PBA IMAGES
Coach Chito Victolero acknowledges that there’s still room for Magnolia to get better even after a massive comeback against Barangay Ginebra left the Hotshots the only unbeaten team in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“We just have to remind our players to start strong and finish stronger,” said Victolero ahead of the 8 p.m. match against NLEX at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Victolero hopes to see the Hotshots heed his call Friday when they attempt to stretch a perfect start to five games against the Road Warriors, who recently made an import switch while activating a vital cog that has had some time off due to an injury.
June Mar Fajardo in action in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. -PBA IMAGES
San Miguel Beer star June Mar Fajardo will be sidelined for four to six weeks after fracturing his left hand in Wednesday’s victory over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that Fajardo was diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture of fourth digit based on a test done following the Beermen’s 115-110 victory the other night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo got hurt while trying to block an attempt by Rain or Shine rookie Adrian Nocum in the third quarter, but was able to play a few minutes in the payoff period before spending the waning moments on the bench.
Johnathan Williams (with ball) has solid double-double. —PBA IMAGES
For a team far from being considered as a traditional heavyweight, Phoenix is in its best start in an import-flavored conference. Still, coach Jamike Jarin feels they have no reason to feel ecstatic.
“There’s no easy game in the PBA,” said coach Jamike Jarin as the Fuel Masters continued to beat the teams they feel they are penciled to have the buffer they need to make the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs following Wednesday’s 103-84 conquest of the Terrafirma Dyip at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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