Unbeaten Magnolia Pambansang Manok shoots for a seventh straight win when it faces a NorthPort squad that will miss the services of Robert Bolick Thursday, Feb. 24 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Hotshots battle the Batang Pier at 6 p.m. as they aim to continue their strong showing in the season-ending conference despite missing the services of Calvin Abueva and Rome dela Rosa due to injuries.
Spotlight could center on Adrian Wong, who has been an impressive addition for Magnolia after being released from his contract by Rain or Shine to become a free agent.
Wong put up a career-high 18 points on six three-pointers last Saturday when the Hotshots rolled past the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 103-83.
Import Mike Harris is expected to once again play a prominent role for the Hotshots.
NorthPort will try to score an upset with a 1-5 record, but will have to do so sans Bolick due to his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Batang Pier management had given its blessing for Bolick to be part of the Gilas pool for the qualifiers for the two games against India on Feb. 25 and New Zealand on Feb. 27.
Bolick and Gilas were supposed to have a pair of matches against South Korea, but the latter pulled out of the window due to COVID-19.
Meralco looks to stay within distance of Magnolia as it goes up against Terrafirma in the 3 p.m. opener.
The Bolts are not far behind the Hotshots in second place with a 5-1 record following their 93-88 victory over the Elasto Painters last Sunday.
Terrafirma, struggling at 2-5, is hoping to bounce back from squandering a big lead in a 102-96 loss to Alaska on Saturday.