Two teams on winning streaks are bound to collide this Wednesday, as the Magnolia Timpladoes Hotshots and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to extend their respective undefeated runs. Which team will keep their momentum going after this contest?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, July 20 at 6 pm, Manila time.
Magnolia Timplados Hotshots (6-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Paul Lee
- SG: Jio Jalalon
- SF: Calvin Abueva
- PF: Ian Sangalang
- C: Rafi Reavis
If the Hotshots are to finish the elimination phase of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup, they can’t afford to lose any of their remaining games. That’s the major motivating factor for Magnolia to get the job done this Wednesday against the surging Elasto Painters. Magnolia is in terrific form, as it is currently on a five-game unbeaten streak, which began when the Hotshots brought down the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on June 19 to the tune of an 89-84 score.
And in their last game, the Hotshots humbled the Meralco Bolts Friday, 97-88. Much of the credit for Magnolia’s success goes to its defense which is arguably the best in the PBA right now. The Hotshots are allowing just 81.8 points per game and hold opponents to just 37.6 FG%.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-6)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Rey Nambatac
- SG: Gabe Norwood
- SF: Mike Nieto
- PF: Leonard Santillan
- C: Beau Belga
Don’t look now but the Elasto Painters are peaking at the perfect moment, as they have successfully dragged themselves out of the bottom four in the standings after three consecutive victories, leading in this matchup against the Hotshots. Rain or Shine kicked off its run with a 96-86 win over the NLEX Road Warriors then put the Blackwater Bossing in their place in a 107-90 victory, before smashing the Terrafirma Dyip Saturday, 97-82.
The Elasto Painters’ offense has been bringing the heat of late and should be viewed as a huge threat to Magnolia’s defense. Rain or Shine is feeding off improved ball movement and relatively good outside shooting, as evidenced by the fact that the Elasto Painters are both fourth this conference in AST% (62.8%) and 3-pointers per game (9.8).
PREDICTION:
Spread: Magnolia (-7.5) covers.
Over/Under: The Over (170.5) hits.