The Meralco Bolts and the Converge FiberXers have both earned tickets to the playoffs, but they are still trying to secure a place in the top four of the standings. Will Converge get closer to that goal with a win? Or, will the Bolts make it all interesting by upending the FiberXers? 

Catch this game live on Sunday,  December 14, 2025, at 7:30 pm, Manila time.

Meralco Bolts (5-4)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Aaron Black
  • CJ Cansino
  • Chris Newsome
  • Cliff Hodge
  • Brandon Bates

Meralco gained even more steam as the race to the playoffs continues to intensify. After dismantling the Terrafirma Dyip in a 120-87 win, the Bolts secured their fifth win in the conference by taking down the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 88-78. CJ Cansino paced the Bolts with 22 points on an efficient 8/13 shooting from the field while Chris Newsome and Chris Hodge provided 17 and 10 points, respectively, as part of the starting unit. Bong Quinto added 11 points off the bench for the Bolts, who will look to lean on their defense and rough things up to slow down Converge.

A key factor for Meralco’s defense is its rebounding. Entering the Fuel Masters game, the Bolts are fifth in the league in defensive rating and second in total rebound rate, per RealGM. The Bolts’ frontcourt could be the key for them in this contest, as the team looks to limit Converge’s possessions. Brandon Bates, Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge provide great presence on the glass and solid rim protection. The wings, like Cansino and Bong Quimpo, have also shown willingness to crash the boards for Meralco, which has won three of its last five meetings with Converge.

Converge FiberXers (6-3)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Juan Gómez de Liaño
  • Alec Stockton
  • Kevin Racal
  • Larry Muyang
  • Justine Baltazar

Converge’s three-game winning streak was snapped by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the FiberXers’ most recent outing. The Elasto Painters came away with a 98-92 victory in that contest, though the FiberXers remain in great position to lock up a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss to Rain or Shine, Converge should be a tough assignment for Meralco, especially because of its offense. 

The FiberXers entered the Rain or Shine contest with the league-best 114.8 offensive rating to go with a .525 eFG% – also No. 1 in the PBA overall. Converge has five players who are putting up at least 13.0 points per game this season, led by Juan Gómez de Liaño, who is a consistent triple-double threat. With so many weapons on offense, Converge can stretch Meralco’s defense. That’s not to mention that the FiberXers are also one of the most accurate 3-point shooting teams in the league, despite going just 4/20 from the 3-point area in the loss to Rain or Shine.

Picks

Spread: Converge (-3.5)
Over/Under: Over (196.5)