TNT head coach Chot Reyes believes there's no reason for the Tropa to drop their guards down when they meet the struggling NLEX on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tropang Giga, after the loss of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, are now the hottest team in the league with four straight victories – a streak that would be put on the line in the 7:30 p.m. affair against the skidding Road Warriors.

NLEX, on the other hand, has been on a free fall as of late with four straight defeats after opening the conference on a 3-1 record.

The game comes after the opening match between Blackwater and Terrafirma – two teams hoping to break out of their respective slumps in the 5 p.m. contest.

“There’s no such thing as an easy game in this league anymore, every game is going to come down to that,” said Reyes, citing the TNT’s narrow 98-96 escape against Converge where his troops needed a rock-solid defense in the endgame and a clutch fadeaway jumper from import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to pick up the win.

“And that’s going to be the same way with NLEX and that’s going to be the same against Ginebra. We don't expect that there will be any easy game at all,” he stressed.

As good as the recent performances from TNT, Reyes believes his team is far from the top form that won them the championship last conference although he’s glad to finally get his key pieces back with the return of Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro.

“I don't think I’ll ever be fully satisfied but I like to always say that we are a work in progress,” said Reyes.

“First two games we’re coming off a break and we aren't battle ready and we expected it. Like what I said when we look at the schedule, if we can come out of it at 2-2, I would be very happy and luckily we are able to achieve that.” he added.

“Now not only are we getting tested in battle but we also get everyone back in. Ngayon na kumpleto na we have a better chance at competing but we still have to continue to improve our game.”

Aside from Hollis-Jefferson, Castro, and Williams, also out to lead the way for TNT are RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana.

For the side of NLEX, Best Import race statistical leader Mike Watkins is expected to be at the forefront with Robert Bolick but the team still needs more from the rest of the crew if they wish to get their playoff drive back on track.