January 4 ------ WHEN the PBA Commissioner’s Cup resumes on Friday following the holiday break, the race for quarterfinal berths heats up with only three spots up for grabs after Magnolia Chicken Timplados, Phoenix Super LPG, Meralco, San Miguel, and Barangay Ginebra punched tickets in the next round. Five teams are still in contention tor the three spots and their next games will give a clearer picture on how the quarterfinal race will pan out.
NORTHPORT (5-4)
After an impressive start to the conference, the Batang Pier have lost their last two games, and are now a game behind fourth-placers San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra. The Batang Pier have a pair of games remaining including a clash against Ginebra on Sunday which will also come a day after they play Blackwater. A win over the Bossing on Friday should be enough for NorthPort to gain a quarterfinal seat.
TNT (4-5)
The Tropang Giga sit at seventh place after dropping its last two games. It comes with TNT making an import change during the Christmas break with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson replacing his younger brother Rondae. TNT will play Rain or Shine on Friday, and twice-to-beat-seeking Phoenix Super LPG on January 14.
RAIN OR SHINE (4-5)
Currently the hottest team in the league, Rain or Shine is in a tie with TNT after four straight wins, and that includes dealing Magnolia’s only loss so far in the Commissioner’s Cup. Incidentally, the Elasto Painters will take on the Tropang Giga on Friday in a game with playoff implications. Rain or Shine will close the eliminations against also-ran Converge on January 14.
NLEX (3-6)
The Road Warriors are one of the two teams that are on the outside looking in, occupying ninth spot with a 3-6 win-loss record. After it faces Converge on January 10, NLEX will still have Barangay Ginebra on the schedule on January 13 in Legazpi City.
TERRAFIRMA (2-7)
Despite losing six straight games, the Dyip remain in the hunt but do not hold their fortunes in their own hands. Terrafirma also has a difficult schedule with games against San Miguel on Sunday and Meralco on January 12.
Source: spin.ph
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