The Magnolia Chicken Timplados will put their elite record on the line when they face off with the dangerous Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Which side are you liking to win this matchup?

Catch this game live on Saturday,  November 12 at 6:45 pm, Manila time.

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (5-4)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Tyler Tio
  • SG: Kurt Lojera
  • SF: Javee Mocon
  • PF: Simon Camacho
  • C: Kaleb Wesson

The Fuel Masters’ scorching five-game undefeated streak was halted last Wednesday in a 132-127 loss to the Converge FiberXers. Even with that setback, it’s not difficult to look at Phoenix and realize that it is a team that can punish any team in any given game. The Fuel Masters, for one, are so good at sharing the ball. They are No. 1 in the PBA with a 68.5 AST%. Against Converge, Phoenix dished out 31 dimes to just 22 by the FiberXers. 

Kaleb Wesson is leading the way for Phoenix, as he is scoring 20.9 points per game, but there are also five other Fuel Masters (with at least 2 games played) who are putting up 10.0 points or more per outing. Phoenix is also expected to see their play elevate with Jason Perkins starting to gain his rhythm after a long absence. Perkins returned from his injury and dropped 14 points in his conference debut versus Converge. He gets back in time to help fortify Phoenix’s defense and lend additional perimeter firepower to his team in an upcoming showdown against a league powerhouse.

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Magnolia Chicken Timplados (6-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Paul Lee
  • SG: Mark Barroca
  • SF: Calvin Abueva
  • PF: Nicholas Rakocevic
  • C: Aris Dionisio

Magnolia recovered right away from a 103-97 loss to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel by scoring an easy 91-69 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last Sunday. Ian Sangalang and Nicholas Rakocevic each had 17 points in the Blackwater game, while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jio Jalalon had 14 and 13 points, respectively. Magnolia got that easy win despite Paul Lee clearly having a cold night. 

Lee went just 0/4 from the field and finished with just a point versus Blackwater. In any case, Magnolia is rarely short on firepower and always has a stout defense to rely on. The Timplados are No.1 in the PBA in scoring defense, allowing just 92.7 points per game, and fourth with a 100.7 defensive rating. Blackwater shot just 40.3 FG% against Magnolia, with import Cameron Krutwig muscling out just eight points with four turnovers. Magnolia has won all of its last four meetings with Phoenix.

PREDICTION:

Spread: Phoenix (+8.5) covers.

Over/Under: The Under (195.5) hits.