Teams in the middle of the pack continue to jockey for better positioning as the chase for the remaining berths in the quarterfinals intensifies in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Streaking Barangay Ginebra (4-3) looks to continue its ascent as it shoots for a third straight win when it battles Phoenix (3-4) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today at 7 p.m.
In the appetizer, Rain or Shine (3-3) dukes it out with NLEX (1-7) at 4:30 p.m.
With both their teams coming off wins, tacticians Tim Cone of Ginebra and Louie Alas of Phoenix expect their respective teams to extend their progress when they go head to head.
“We’re starting to play better with more fluidity now,” said Cone. “Justin (Brownlee) has been leading us and we expect the others to continue following his play.”
“Our rebounding and defense improved in our last game. Those are the battles we are looking forward to win,” said Alas.
The Gin Kings won their second straight after annihilating the Road Warriors, 100-85, last Sunday.
The Fuel Masters followed suit by stunning ertswhile league-leader NorthPort, 97-87, just last Wednesday.
Like Ginebra and Phoenix, Rain or Shine is another team in the middle looking to move up.
The Elasto Painters escaped with an 88-86 squeaker over Columbian also last Sunday.
NLEX needs to practically sweep its remaining three games to keep its slim hopes of still making the top eight.