The PBA Commissioner’s Cup returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum later today with an explosive twin bill featuring early leaders Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Meralco Bolts, the league’s most popular ball club in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and the always-dangerous NLEX Road Warriors.
1. Can Rain or Shine’s Locals Shine?
Rain or Shine will be at a massive disadvantage against Meralco later because its import, Jaylen Johnson, will not be playing after earning a one-game suspension for fighting with Glenn Khobuntin in the Elasto Painters’ win over the TNT Tropang 5G. That means Yeng Guiao’s locals will have to carry the load against a Bolts squad that has looked superb. Can Santi Santillan and company do it to stake Rain or Shine to the top of the Commissioner’s Cup standings?
2. What Does Jason Brickman Have for a Follow-Up?
After a quiet debut, Jason Brickman finally showed why he has always been highly touted, dropping 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Phoenix Fuel Masters. He will be tested by the glut of guards at Rain or Shine, who will look to play fast and with pace throughout, per Guiao’s wishes. Can Brickman keep up and lead the Bolts to solo first place in the Commissioner’s Cup?
3. Can NLEX Bounce Back?
NLEX nearly zoomed to a 3-0 start in this Commissioner’s Cup, as it had TNT on the ropes. But things fell apart for Robert Bolick and company, allowing the Tropa to steal the win in the end. It was a heartbreaking loss, to say the least, though it could also galvanize the Road Warriors, knowing they can compete against the PBA’s elite. So, can they bounce back against Ginebra?
4. How Does Ginebra Respond to Jayson David’s Injury?
Ginebra’s debut win in this Commissioner’s Cup came at a cost: Jayson David suffered a gruesome, potentially season-ending knee injury. That Ginebra refocused quickly after David’s scary fall is a testament to their poise. Then again, the young forward has become a critical part of the Barangay, and losing him could either uplift Ginebra’s spirit or dampen team morale. Which will happen against NLEX later tonight?
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Action
Today’s Commissioner’s Cup double-header will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The first game will be between Rain or Shine and Meralco, with tip-off at 5:00 p.m. Ginebra and NLEX will then clash in the second game, which will start at 7:30 p.m.
