The 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Playoffs begin on Christmas Day with Barangay Ginebra and Star, two of the most popular teams in the league, clashing in the main game on Friday.
GlobalPort, which features the fearsome backcourt of Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo, and guard-heavy Barako Bull to kick off the quarterfinals at 4:15 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena.
The fourth-seeded Kings and No. 5 Batang Pier hold a twice-to-beat advantage over their respective foes, expected to give their favored opponents a run for their money.
In the other side, No.3 Rain or Shine tangles with playoff first-timer Blackwater while TNT takes on NLEX on Saturday. The Elite and the Road Warriors will need to win two knockout games to advance into the next quarterfinals phase.
While the eight squads plunge into action, Alaska and San Miguel Beer secured outright semifinals berths after finishing as the top two teams at the end of the elimination round.
The top-seeded Aces and reigning champion Beermen are eyeing to make the finals for the third time in the last four conferences.