Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia Pambansang Manok hope to stay unbeaten before their much-awaited showdown on Christmas Day when they face separate opponents Sunday, Dec. 19 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings go for win No. 3 against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at 5:30 p.m. while the Hotshots seek their second victory in as many games in the 3 p.m. curtainraiser with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Ginebra and Magnolia are scheduled to play in the league’s first Christmas game in four years, a treat for fans who have waited throughout the pandemic for a chance to see their teams in person.
But first, the two teams look to cap off the week on a high note against a pair of teams they faced in crucial games last conference.
Ginebra is coming off a convincing 108-82 win over NorthPort last Friday in their first appearance before a live crowd.
Magnolia was the first to experience what was missing through the COVID-19 crisis as it prevailed over Terrafirma, 114-87, two days prior.
It was also the Hotshots’ first game this conference, and they aim to keep their good form before the holiday clash.
Rain or Shine, however, is out to foil Magnolia’s bid, especially after a morale-boosting 90-88 victory over Phoenix.
The Elasto Painters carry a 2-1 record, bouncing back from a 112-106 overtime loss to the Dyip last Dec. 11.
Phoenix suffered its first loss after a 3-0 start and will try to avoid another in order to remain one of the top teams in the early goings of the tournament.