The pair of titanic collision semifinals showdowns begin with all the four remaining teams determined to gain some head start in their best-of-five series in the 2023-’24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Rising the curtain at 4 p.m. is the clash between the seasoned veterans Magnolia and young guns of Phoenix Phoenix before the marquee duel between two powerhouses in San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra at 8 p.m.

Magnolia kept its tag as the conference favorites and top dogs after easily dispatching eighth place TNT in the quarterfinals to reach the semis. More than that, the Hotshots are coming into the series with more fresh legs than the Fuel Masters after the latter needed two games to take down the Meralco Bolts and book a semis seat.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, however, is not taking Phoenix for granted, knowing full well that the Fuel Masters young guns gathered enough experience in the series to have the confidence to take on the veteran-laden Hotshots.

“Maganda inilalaro nila ngayon. Tapos coming from the two tough games against Meralco, 'yung character mo mabubuo doon, 'yung maturity ng players mapapadali doon,” Victolero said of Phoenix who will be led by import Johnathan Williams along with Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio and rookies Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero.

Out to test their mettle though are the tried-and-tested Hotshots backcourt of Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and Paul Lee along with the frontline the features Ian Sangalang Calvin Abueva and import Tyler Bey.

Meanwhile, over at the other series, the defending champions are out to put a stop to the hot streak of the Beermen who are riding the crest of a six-game winning run including a convincing win over Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals.

The hot streak was largely due to the splendid showing of import Bennie Boatwright who proved to be a perfect complement to June Mar Fajardo and the rest of the crew.

Known for its defense though, Ginebra, behind Japeth Aguilar, import Tony Bishop and BPC frontrunner Christian Standhardinger, are expected to make life tougher for the SMB frontline.

Also offering an interesting matchup is the showdown between gritty point guards in SMB’s Terrence Romeo and Chris Ross against Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson and Maverick Ahanmisi.