Just a little over two weeks since the Commissioner’s Cup wrapped up, the action resumes in the PBA as the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup kicks off on July 19.
Rebranded Kia Picanto opens the hostilities when it faces Eugene Phelps-led Phoenix in the curtain-raiser at 4:15 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum, followed by the tussle between the rejigged NLEX crew against Alaska at 7 p.m.
Last season’s Governors’ Cup runner-up Meralco hopes to rekindle the magic with Allen Durham as it takes on Blackwater in the first game on July 21 while GlobalPort and Rain or Shine clash in the night cap.
The four teams in the conference opener switch foes on July 22 at Mall of Asia Arena when NLEX and Kia face off at 3 p.m., followed by Alaska and Phoenix at 5:15 p.m.
To cap off the opening weekend, Star unveils reinforcement Cinmeon Bowers on July 23 against Blackwater at 4:30 p.m., before the rematch of last season’s Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra, still led by parading Justin Brownlee, and Meralco at 6:45 p.m.
Commissioner’s Cup runner-up TNT springs back to action on July 28 at Ynares Center in Antipolo against Kia while Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel hits the hard court anew in the following day, July 29, still in Antipolo, as it goes up against Blackwater.
The PBA released the partial schedule on Friday, and will release the full slate of games in the coming days.