The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Phoenix Fuel Masters cross paths again. The Barangay need just a win to secure a slot in the playoffs. For Phoenix, it has to win out in the elimination phase to have a chance of staying alive in their quest to make it to the postseason.

Catch this game live on Wednesday,  September 18 at 7:30 pm, Manila time.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (5-3)

Projected Starting Five:

• Scottie Thompson
• Maverick Ahanmisi
• Stephen Holt
• Justin Brownlee
• Japeth Aguilar

A slow start combined with a terrifying offensive onslaught by the San Miguel Beermen resulted in a blowout 131-82 loss by Ginebra last Sunday. It was the first loss in five games for the Barangay, who just needs a win to secure a slot in the playoffs. Ginebra will have a lighter opponent this Wednesday in the form of Phoenix, which is the worst team right now in Group B. 

The Barangay whipped Phoenix earlier this month in a 110-101 win. Japeth Aguilar was a big problem for the Fuel Masters in that contest, as he put up 31 points on 11/13 shooting from the floor. Justin Brownlee and Stephen Holt had 23 and 19 points, respectively. After scoring just 82 points against San Miguel, the Barangay are in line to have a huge night offensively versus Phoenix’s defense which is arguably the worst in the league this conference. 

Phoenix Fuel Masters (1-7)

Projected Starting Five:

• RR Garcia
• Ricci Rivero
• Brandone Francis
• Jason Perkins
• Raul Soyud

The Fuel Masters are in desperate mode, as they can’t afford to lose a game. One more defeat and Phoenix will clinch a spot in the “Boracay Cup,” so expect the Fuel Masters to go all out this Wednesday. After securing their first win of the conference with a 119-114 triumph over the Blackwater Bossing last Wednesday, Phoenix has some momentum going into the rematch against the Barangay. 

Phoenix import Brandon Francis had 33 points in the loss to Ginebra, while RR Garcia and Jason Perkins combined for 30 points. For Phoenix, it will most likely boil down to how well the Fuel Masters will defend against the Barangay.  Phoenix can score, especially with Francis leading its attack, so limiting Ginebra’s touches, forcing turnovers, and grabbing rebounds are key items on the Fuel Masters’ to-do list for this Wednesday’s crucial game.

Picks

Spread: Ginebra  (-9.5)

Over/Under: Over (217.0)