AI Pick’em Playbook: Higher or Lower for Magnolia vs Meralco?

Prediction Result (July 25): 3/4 Correct

• Zavier Lucero (MAG) — Pick: Higher than 12.5 PTS | Actual: 20 PTS ✅
• Jerom Lastimosa (MAG) — Pick: Lower than 13.5 PTS | Actual: 13 PTS ✅
• Christopher Newsome (MER) — Pick: Lower than 12.5 PTS | Actual: 9 PTS ✅
• Clifford Hodge (MER) — Pick: Higher than 6.5 REB | Actual: 6 REB ❌

AI Pick’em Playbook compares multiple AI predictions with recent player data and postgame analysis to build our final Higher or Lower picks—see how the previous edition performed here.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots face the Meralco Bolts on July 24 at 5:15 PM.

For this edition, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot reviewed the same Pick’em markets and early-conference results. We then compared their conclusions with Rebanse’s latest postgame player evaluations before making the final selections.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. AI-generated predictions do not guarantee results. Player availability, rotations, and game conditions may change before tip-off. Please play responsibly.

Zavier Lucero — 12.5 Points

Lucero has scored 20 and eight points while playing more than 36 minutes in both games. His stable workload and 12-plus shot attempts provide a path to 13 points, although his production has been volatile.

With Kylor Buffen absorbing a major share of Magnolia’s offense, Lucero remains a lower-confidence selection.

Final Pick: Higher

(AI Picks: ChatGPT — Higher | Gemini — Lower | Claude — Higher | Copilot — Higher)

Jerom Lastimosa — 13.5 Points

Lastimosa has scored 14 and 11 points, with his latest outing described as subpar despite finishing as Magnolia’s leading local scorer.

His previous-conference average of 14.1 points shows upside, but Buffen’s dominant offensive role and Lastimosa’s current efficiency support the Lower side.

Final Pick: Lower

(AI Picks: ChatGPT — Lower | Gemini — Lower | Claude — Lower | Copilot — Lower)

Christopher Newsome — 12.5 Points

Newsome’s scoring has increased from six to 10 and then 16 points, but his latest performance required excellent shooting efficiency and six free-throw attempts.

Meralco’s previous win also featured strong scoring contributions from Jason Brickman, Chris Banchero, and Kier Quinto, showing that the offensive workload can be widely distributed.

Final Pick: Lower

(AI Picks: ChatGPT — Lower | Gemini — Higher | Claude — Lower | Copilot — Higher)

Clifford Hodge — 6.5 Rebounds

Hodge has recorded seven, six, and seven rebounds, placing him directly around the market in every appearance. Magnolia’s recent shooting struggles could create additional defensive-rebound opportunities.

However, his reduced playing time and Meralco’s crowded frontcourt make this close to a 50–50 decision.

Final Pick: Higher

(AI Picks: ChatGPT — Higher | Gemini — Higher | Claude — Higher | Copilot — Lower)