PBA: Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva eyed for playoff return

Magnolia Hotshots forward Calvin Abueva.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Veteran forward Calvin Abueva’s status remains uncertain for Magnolia’s final game in the PBA Phillippine Cup elimination round.

The Hotshots wrap up their campaign in the eliminations on Sunday against the TNT Tropang Giga at Ninoy Aquino Stadium with the likelihood of Abueva still sidelined as he recovers from a hip injury.

“He is feeling some tightness in his hips and he even feels the pain in his knees. He hurt himself in our out-of-town game against Rain or Shine and it got aggravated and got more painful,” Magnolia coach Chito Victorlero said in Filipino after the Hotshots’ 108-100 win over the Terrafirma Dyip on Friday at Philsports Arena.

READ: PBA: Magnolia beats Terrafirma to clinch quarterfinals berth

The 36-year-old Abueva has missed his last two games. He is averaging 6.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this conference.

While Abueva remained out, Magnolia on Friday welcomed back its star guard Jio Jalalon, who returned from a knee injury.

“We will try to see tomorrow if he can play [on Sunday] but it’s highly unlikely. In the playoffs though, he’ll be back playing.”