The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots and the TNT Tropang 5G will meet for the second time in days, but this time, it will be in the playoffs. The Hotshots own the twice-to-beat advantage in the matchup, but can they capitalize on it and send TNT packing? Or, will the Tropang 5G force a do-or-die scenario with a victory?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm, Manila time.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (8-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- Paul Lee
- Mark Barroca
- Jerom Lastimosa
- Zavier Lucero
- Ian Sangalang
The Hotshots scored an important win just in time for the playoffs last Friday, as they thumped TNT at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, 88-83. With that win, Magnolia earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals against the same Tropang 5G squad. That victory also snapped the Hotshots’ two-game losing skid. The tandem of Zac Lucero and Will Navarro punished TNT in that contest, with 24 and 13 points, respectively. The duo is projected as Magnolia’s future, and it showed in the win over the Tropang Giga.
Navarro’s performance was also his best thus far since getting traded to the Hotshots by the NorthPort Batang Pier, and it bodes well for him and Magnolia heading into another meeting with the Tropang 5G. The versatility and length on both ends of the floor by Magnolia, thanks in large part to Navarro and Lucero, could cause plenty of problems again for Magnolia this Wednesday. Meanwhile, the vets are also still alright, as evidenced by Mark Barroca’s 11-point output against TNT. Even 47-year-old Rafi Reavis provided his team with a boost, scoring four points and grabbing six rebounds in just 12 minutes.
TNT Tropang 5G (6-5)
Projected Starting Five:
- Simon Enciso
- RR Pogoy
- Calvin Oftana
- JP Erram
- Kelly Williams
The Tropang 5G need to beat Magnolia this Wednesday if they are to keep their hopes for a Grand Slam alive. Winners of the last two PBA championships, TNT missed out on a twice-to-beat chance due to its aforementioned loss to Lucero and company. Despite the loss, the Tropang 5G can’t simply be overlooked by the Hotshots. Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy will be the main gunners as usual for TNT’s attack, but Jordan Heading could have a timely explosion for his new team.
Heading had 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting with two 3-pointers in the loss to the Hotshots, while Pogoy and Oftana had 18 and 15 points, respectively. It would be a big plus for the Tropang Giga if Simon Encisco finds his shot in lieu of the still-absent Rey Nambatac (injury). But interior defense should also be a priority for TNT after getting outscored in the shaded area by Magnolia, 46-34.
Picks
Spread: Magnolia (-3.5)
Over/Under: Over (182.5)
