Shabazz Muhammad will finally make his debut for San Miguel Beer against Magnolia Pambansang Manok in a marquee showdown Sunday, Feb. 27 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Beermen officially activated the former NBA player on the eve of the match in lieu of Orlando Johnson, who played the previous three matches with the last two ending up in victories.
Muhammad, formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves, arrived from the United States earlier this week but SMB opted to keep Johnson for one final appearance in the victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Wednesday.
SMB, carding a 5-3 record, is seeking a third consecutive win and keep an inside track at a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals given to the top four teams after the eliminations.
Vic Manuel, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter are among those expected to provide Muhammad support in the 6:30 p.m. affair as the Beermen aim to continue their run of form, having lost just once since starting the conference at 0-2.
Magnolia is smarting from a 103-101 loss to NorthPort that halted its unbeaten start at six.
But the Hotshots still control their destiny with regards to the top four seeding despite the defeat, and import Mike Harris, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and company are eager to bounce back.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel eyes a second consecutive triumph after a four-game skid when it battles Terrafirma in the first game at 4 p.m.
The Gin Kings recovered from their slump two days prior with a 109-100 win over hardluck Blackwater Bossing, but coach Tim Cone admits there’s plenty of work to be done in order to become the team he envisions.
Ginebra is currently tied for sixth and seventh with idle TNT at 4-4 with three games left in the elims.
Terrafirma desperately needs a victory with a 2-6 slate.