MAGNOLIA and NLEX go up against each other in the battle of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup leaders where both squads are looking to bounce back from their shooting woes in their previous game.

Meanwhile, TNT takes on Blackwater in the first game as the league returns to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Here is why TNT might be going deep into their bench against Blackwater, and more in this preview.

Friday, June 6. 5 p.m.
Ninoy Aquino Stadium

TNT goes into the game against Blackwater with an eye of extending its five-game winning streak. The Tropang 5G are fresh from a 94-70 win over NorthPort last May 30. Another victory would match the longest streak of the conference that was also done by Magnolia and NLEX.

The Tropang 5G have activated Jordan Heading and Mike Nieto before the game against Blackwater, making them eligible to make their debut with their new team. Heading was acquired in a trade with Converge for Mikey Williams, while Nieto was signed through a separate transaction where he was claimed from Converge’s unrestricted free agent with rights to receive salary list.

It will be interesting to monitor Heading’s minutes and how he will perform since he last saw action for Converge during Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals against Rain or Shine last February 9.

The game against Blackwater could also serve as preparation for TNT’s finals rematch against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, a huge contest in the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Don’t be surprised if TNT stretches its rotation and manages the load o a couple of players ahead of the Gin Kings rematch.

Blackwater enters the match-up against grand slam-seeking TNT on a five-game losing skid. The Bossing previously had a stretch of three games within five days where they lost to Meralco, 103-85, last May 21, Barangay Ginebra, 101-99, last May 23, and San Miguel, 115-78, last May 25. Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso maintained his positive attitude towards the defeats, saying there were a lot of learnings from those games against title contenders. Can those learnings finally translate into victories for Blackwater?

TNT resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson recently arrived to the country as part of a series of basketball clinics organized by the ballclub. RHJ may be appearing in Friday’s game to support his ballclub.

Friday, June 6. 7:30 p.m.
Ninoy Aquino Stadium

In-form teams Magnolia and NLEX, currently in a share of first place on 7-2 win-loss record, clash for the first twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. Magnolia was defeated by Ginebra, 85-81, while NLEX overcame Phoenix, 105-95, last Sunday in their previous contests.

The loss to Ginebra saw Magnolia shooting just 19 percent from three-point range (4 of 21), their worst in the conference. That led to the Hotshots making just 37 percent overall against the Gin Kings. Despite their shooting woes, the Hotshots only lost by four points following a comeback by the Gin Kings.

The same can be said to NLEX, which just hit its conference-worst 11 of its 22 free throws (50 percent) against Phoenix, one of the reasons why the game was close.

NLEX has flourished this conference with victories over contenders such TNT, Ginebra, and Rain or Shine. The Road Warriors get their final test of the eliminations when they take on the Hotshots before the playoffs. Another win by NLEX would further prove that the Road Warriors are for real.

Friday will be William Navarro’s second game with Magnolia after he saw action for 16 minutes and scored five points and grabbed four rebounds against Barangay Ginebra. With more time to get used to Magnolia’s system, Navarro might get more court time against NLEX, where we could see more of the interesting frontcourt combo with Zavier Lucero.

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