NLEX and Rain or Shine aim to get their respective playoff bids back on track in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Tip-off of the match is at 6:45 p.m. with the Road Warriors and the Elasto Painters locking horns for a bounce back win after absorbing losses last time out.
Serving as an appetizer for the crucial collision is the battle between cellar-dweller teams in NorthPort and Blackwater with the former hoping to stay in contention for a playoff spot while the latter eyeing a graceful finish in its last few assignments.
The Road Warriors had the chance to book their spots to the next round in their previous game but blew their chances after falling to the Meralco Bolts, 114-98, last Thursday, Feb. 23.
NLEX got its usual numbers from import Wayne Selden Jr, who finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while guys like Don Trollano and Kevin Alas also contributed well.
The defense, however, dragged the Road Warriors to their downfall as they allowed the opposition to simply have their way on the offensive end, even scoring 22 straight points in the first half which proved to be the difference in the contest.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine struggled offensively against Magnolia and ultimately led to a 112-97 defeat. Greg Smith returned for the Elasto Painters but was only limited to a measly 15-point outing.
Even the local crew, which played all-Filipino the game before against Terrafirma, couldn't find their range from the field with Santi Santillan and Nick Demusis emerging as the team’s only double-digit scorer outside Smith.
Meanwhile, in the second game, it’s virtually a do-or-die game for the Batang Pier as they aim to stay in contention against the also-ran Bossing who are looking to drag them to the similar situation.
Out of the two, it is NorthPort which has little momentum on its side after Robert Bolick, JM Calma, Joshua Munzon and import Kevin Murphy all conspired to score their first win in the conference after seven games.
Blackwater, meanwhile, has been on a slump, losing seven of its last nine games for a 1-8 record in the standings.