RoS star James Yap returns to action vs Phoenix; Kiefer-less NLEX faces Alaska

Four more teams will see action as the PBA Philippine Cup continues with a doubleheader Thursday, Sept. 2 at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
NLEX plays without Kiefer Ravena when it takes on Alaska in the 2 p.m. opener before James Yap suits up for the first time this season as Rain or Shine tackles Phoenix Super LPG at 4:35 p.m.
Ravena won’t be around in NLEX’s quest to improve its 2-2 slate as he’s currently in Japan to arrange requirements needed for his B.League stint with the Shiga Lakestars.
Coach Yeng Guiao earlier said there’s a possibility that Ravena will miss the rest of the conference given the strict quarantine requirements, unless the Road Warriors can make a deep playoff run in his absence.
Kevin Alas, currently ranked third in scoring at 18.5 points per game, will be among the players Guiao will bank on in order for the Road Warriors to be competitive.
Alaska carries a 2-3 record, hoping that things will be different in the restart.
Yap will be in action after missing Rain or Shine’s 4-2 start during the initial stages of the conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City due to a minor knee surgery he underwent in the offseason.
For the Elasto Painters, getting a win enables them to stay in fourth place in the standings.
Phoenix is in dire need of turning its fortunes after starting the conference by dropping four of five matches.
Matthew Wright and Vic Manuel are currently on top of the scoring charts with averages of 19.8 and 18.8, but that did not translate into victories for the Fuel Masters.