Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Glenn Robinson III clash in a meeting of two former NBA vets. Which import will put on a brighter show?

Catch the game this Thursday, August 29th, at 7:30 PM.

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (1-1)

Starting five:

  • Paul Lee 
  • Joseph Eriobu
  • Glenn Robinson III
  • Rome Dela Rosa
  • Ian Sangalang

The Hotshots are back on the floor after a six-day rest. They moved into the win column last August 23rd with a 105-93 win over the Converge FiberXers, who, interestingly enough, just beat TNT.

Glenn Robinson III leads Magnolia with his 28.5 points per game on 48.8% shooting conference numbers. He has showcased his athleticism and shooting, and we should continue seeing those in this matchup, especially since it’s opposite another formidable counterpart in RHJ.

The locals have done a good job backing up Robinson III through a balanced attack. Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Jerick Ahanmisi are all posting serviceable double-digit averages thus far. Serial agitator Calvin Abueva isn’t on the list as he seems busier providing antics, though he did have 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals across 18 minutes vs. Converge, which may rev him up.

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TNT Tropang Giga (1-1)

Starting five:

  • Rey Nambatac
  • RR Pogoy
  • Calvin Oftana
  • Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
  • Glenn Khobuntin

TNT will be on the heels of a tough defeat. They became the first real victims of the four-point shot as they lost to Converge on Tuesday, 96-95, after Scotty Hopson drilled a smooth, four-pointer with only 4.6 ticks left. RHJ bricked a layup that would’ve saved the Tropang Giga.

Hollis-Jefferson filled the statsheet on Tuesday like he always does with a complete line: 32 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. Expect to see a similar performance this Thursday. He may look to take out some of his frustration and score more.

Stretch forward Calvin Oftana, meanwhile, remains positioned as the future local star of TNT. He dropped a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds in the aforementioned loss, which also included six three-pointers. He’s been good alongside RHJ, and it’s been fun to see him develop further.

Rey Nambatac was only 2-of-10 in the FiberXers after coming off an all-around outing. We’ll see how well he can bounce back. As for vets Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy, they’ll stay as one of the facilitators and shooters, respectively.

PICKS:

Spread: Magnolia (+1.5)

Over/Under: 193.5

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