WITH health and momentum finally on its side, red-hot Rain or Shine aims to snatch solo leadership as it goes for a third straight win in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The Elasto Painters (2-0) will look to continue their hot start as they take on NLEX (0-1) at 7 p.m. when the action shift to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City tonight.
An equally intriguing opener precedes as GlobalPort (1-1) and ailing Blackwater (0-3) cross paths at 4:30 p.m.
The leadership of reigning Player of the Week Chris Tiu, the resurgence of big men Beau Belga, Raymund Almazan and gunner James Yap, as well as the perfect fit of burly import Reggie Johnson, have helped the Elasto Painters to ring the bell thus far.
“For as long as we move the ball well to find open shots and make them, I think we will have a good conference,” said Painters coach Caloy Garcia, whose Painters smothered Barangay Ginebra, 108-89, just last Sunday for their second win.
While Rain or Shine is gaining ground, NLEX immediately made a switch in hopes of getting its footing.
The Road Warriors will finally bring in original import choice Arnett Moultrie to take the place of Adrian Forbes, who under-performed in the team’s 103-123 opening loss against Columbian Dyip last Saturday.
Moultrie was NLEX’s original choice but his arrival got delayed after visa issues.
As the Elite plays its fourth game in more than a week against the Batang Pier, it is also bound to face a new horizon.
With a heavy heart, Blackwater decided to axe longtime coach Leo Isaac just the other day after a poor showing and start to its campaign.
Top deputy Bong Ramos was then appointed and promoted to take his place as the franchise’s second coach.
In its three losses, the Elite had a losing average of 175 points per game.
The Batang Pier had showed some promise so far in its first two games and it hopes to have a nice follow-up win.
GlobalPort listed its first win the last time out, topping Meralco, 86-85, in a tight contest.