Rain or Shine tries again to pick up the much-needed seventh win and secure the coveted quarterfinals seat when it tangles against a rejuvenated NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, Jan. 25.

In a clash deemed crucial not only to their respective playoff bids but also to the overall picture of the standings, both teams are expecting nothing but a dogfight in the contest that tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Back at the top of the ladder after TNT sustained a surprising loss to Terrafirma, NorthPort looks to enhance its bid for the Top 2 spots when it clashes against Blackwater in the curtain raiser at 5 p.m.

The Elasto Painters, after keeping themselves in the conversation for the Top 2 spots through the first few weeks of the conference, suddenly found themselves in a dire situation where a loss could drag them the 7th and 8th spots which will be a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarterfinals.

And in order to avoid that, the wards of head coach Yeng Guiao need to find a way to stop the bleeding after dropping three of their last four games – the last of which a shattering 92-120 loss to Barangay Ginebra.

Easier said than done, however, especially against NLEX which is surely brimming with confidence after a 108-94 win over Phoenix – a victory that not only snapped the team’s five-game slump but also put them back in contention for a playoff spot.

The Road Warriors are just lurking outside the Top 8 at the 10 spot although in tie with current No. 8 San Miguel Beermen and No. 9 Magnolia Hotshots.

Robert Bolick and import Mike Watkins should be at the forefront of the attack for NLEX but contributions from Kevin Alas, Robbie Herndon and even rookie Jonnel Policarpio will be equally important especially against Rain or Shine’s depth.

Deon Thompson should be eager to bounce back after getting outplayed by Justin Brownlee last time out while local stars Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum should also be primed for bounce back games after ROS as a team struggled offensively.

Meanwhile in the first game, the Batang Pier are gunning for their ninth win which should give them an inside track for the Top 2 spot especially with a packed middle part of the standings with Converge also sporting an 8-3 slate and Eastern and Meralco with similar 7-3 records.