After missing the past couple of games following a bad fall in the clash with Magnolia, Troy Rosario returns to the lineup, while Jericho Cruz, acquired in a trade with Rain or Shine, is expected to make his debut as the flagship team of the Manny V. Pangilinan bloc hopes to avoid elimination against an NLEX team that has been in inspired form the past three weeks.
Rain or Shine hopes to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals against defending champion San Miguel Beer in the second game at 7 p.m.
The Elasto Painters, who hold a 5-4 record, shift their focus on finishing at least sixth to figure in a best-of-three playoff series rather than facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the next round.
But the Elasto Painters will be without their resurgent star, James Yap, who will miss the game due to a calf injury. Yap has been on a tear the past few games, scoring 17 points in the 95-99 loss to Alaska last Friday.
With a 4-6 record, TNT can forge at least a playoff for a quarterfinal berth in what has been a battle of survival among six teams vying for the last four tickets to the next round.
The Road Warriors already secured their spot in the next round as early as last week following a victory over Blackwater Elite.