San Miguel Beer clashes with Talk n Text while Red Bull collides with Purefoods in a pair of heavyweight matches marking the fourth-to-the-last play date of the preliminaries.
The country’s heroes in the just-concluded Asian Games will be feted for their gallant efforts in Doha, Qatar as special guests of the league.
"We’ll be saluting the Filipino champions. We’ll give them due recognition," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala.
Boxing champions Violito Payla and Joan Tipon, wushu winner Rene Catalan and billiards victor Antonio Gabica have confirmed their attendance in a simple ceremony to be held in between games.
Boxing president Manny Lopez is accompanying his team that includes bronze medalists Genebert Basadre and Godfrey Castro. Catalan graces the occasion with wushu head Julian Camacho.
Before these Asiad heroes, the Beermen, the Bulls, the Giants and the Pals hope to show their own gallantry on the court in similar bids to enhance their final push for top seedings in the playoffs.
All four teams are still in the hunt for an outright slot in the semifinals and, if foiled, would chase automatic berth in the quarterfinals.
With an 11-5 win-loss record, San Miguel will already assure itself of a tie for second place with another win tonight.
"We just got lucky because the early leaders started losing. And since we’re in this position we might as well make the most out of it," said San Miguel coach Chot Reyes.
Barangay Ginebra has put one foot in the semifinals when it nailed a 12th win in a 109-89 spanking of Sta. Lucia Realty Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Red Bull, Purefoods and Talk n Text are still in contention for the same spot but no longer have full control of their bids. They have to win all their last assignments and pray for defeats of other teams to accomplish their goal.
"We still can make it. We just have to stay focused in our last two games," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
The reigning champion Giants rallied into contention as they won their last three games against the Coca-Cola Tigers, the Sta. Lucia Realtors and the Welcoat Dragons.
The Bulls slid to joint third with the Giants as they were stunned by the Air21 Express, 89-92, on Nov. 8.
The Pals, meanwhile, have been blowing hot and cold. They need to come out in full steam today or they might miss the Magic Five. They’re currently at sixth with a 9-7 record.