Four teams fighting for places in the quarterfinals are in dire need of a win in the homestretch of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
Magnolia (5-4) and Rain or Shine (4-5) square off at 4:30 p.m., while Phoenix (4-5) and San Miguel (3-5) figure in a heated battle at 7 p.m. in the main event today at the Araneta Coliseum.
All four teams, who are in the middle up to the lower echelon of the standings, have yet to formally secure berths in the quarters as they continue the wild chase for a place in the top eight.
As of now,only four of the eight quarterfinal tickets are claimed with TNT KaTropa, NorthPort, Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater all safely tucked into the next round.
The final four slots are being disputed by seven teams which are still in the running, including all four squads bound to play.
A victory for Magnolia will put it in the quarters while for Rain or Shine and Phoenix, a win can put either or both of them halfway there.
As for the Beermen, they need to sweep their remaining three games to assure themselves of a spot in the next round.
Following their five-game winning streak, the Hotshots suffered a devastating 102-81 manhandling at the hands of Barangay Ginebra last Sunday.
On the other hand, they will play an Elasto Painters’ side which came off a slim 86-84 win over Alaska last Saturday.
However, Rain or Shine lost import Denzel Bowles for the rest of the conference after injuring his knee severely against the Aces.
New reinforcement Carl Montgomery from Chicago State takes his place.