The Phoenix Fuel Masters will have to wait until the next conference for a chance to win a PBA title. But before that, they will look to conclude their Governors’ Cup campaign with a win against the NLEX Road Warriors. As for the Road Warriors, this is a crucial game for them, as they are still seeking for a playoff berth.

Catch this game live on Friday,  September 20 at 5:00 pm, Manila time.

Phoenix Fuel Masters (1-8)

Projected Starting Five:

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

Phoenix is already out of playoff contention, as the Fuel Masters only has one win with a game left to play in the elimination phase. The Fuel Masters are also coming off a 112-96 defeat to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. A poor defensive performance in the first quarter against Ginebra proved to be fatal for the Fuel Masters, with the Barangay scoring 36 points in the opening period to just 24 by Phoenix. 

The usually high-scoring Brandone Francis only had 17 points on 14 attempts against the Barangay. There isn’t much motivation for Francis and the Fuel Masters this Friday outside of pride, but at least that’s something they can hold on to. Francis doesn’t want to be his final game with the Fuel Masters to end with a loss. He can still be more than a handful for NLEX, which dealt with a different Phoenix import in its 100-95 win over the Fuel Masters on August 25.  Although their defense has been a major weakness, the Fuel Masters are a team capable of dropping a huge offensive performance. They have averaged 110.0 points in their last five outings.

NLEX Road Warriors (3-5)

Projected Starting Five:

• Robert Bolick
• Richie Rodger
• Enoch Valdez
• Michael Miranda
• DeQuan Jones

Unlike the Fuel Masters, NLEX is still fighting for a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. At the time of this writing, the Road Warriors are sitting precariously on the fourth spot in Group B. They have as many wins as the Blackwater Bossing. Needless to say, NLEX needs to win this Friday’s rematch against Phoenix. 

The Road Warriors are coming off a 123-114 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Tuesday – NLEX’s fourth loss in a row. Maybe their desperation for a win plus the sight of an old victim will have the Road Warriors smelling blood against Phoenix. That was how NLEX import DeQuan Jones played in the Rain or Shine game where he exploded for 49 points, and that’s without a 4-pointer and just seven attempts from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Robert Bolick had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. It’s worth mentioning that NLEX has a new weapon in Javee Mocon, who was acquired by the Road Warriors from a trade with Phoenix. He had nine points for his new team against the Elasto Painters. Will there be a revenge game for Mocon?

Picks

Spread: Phoenix (+4.5)

Over/Under: Under (220.5)