WITH the PBA taking extra precaution and suspending two games after four Talk N Text players returned tests that are either positive or need to be confirmed, Alaska Milk and Magnolia Ice Cream will now meet each other in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Game time is 6 p.m.

Originally, Alaska is set to play Terrafirma, while Magnolia is scheduled to meet Talk N Text on the fourth playing day of the season-opening tournament being played under strict government-approved bubble.

The revised playing schedule will now pit the Aces and the Hotshots, who have both won their opening-game assignments.

Alaska defeated Blackwater, 103-77, last July 16, while Magnolia trounced Phoenix Super LPG, 80-73, the following day.

The winner of the Alaska-Magnolia tussle will gain a share of the lead with Talk N Text and Rain or Shine.

In the 3 p.m. curtainraiser, Greg Slaughter is expected to finally make his debut as NorthPort battles Phoenix.

Slaughter, who was acquired by NorthPort from Ginebra in exchange for Christian Standhardinger, missed the Batang Pier’s disappointing 53-85 loss to Meralco on opening day Friday.

The 7-0.Slaughter , nicknamed “Gregzilla”, was not fielded by NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio after joining his new team only last Thursday following a month-long stay in the US for his vaccination.

Slaughter’s entry is a welcome addition to the Batang Pier, who struggled against the Bolts’ inspired performance.

The final score was the Batang Pier’s fewest points in franchise history and their 17-of-81 field shooting is the second-worst field goal percentage in league history.

NorthPort is also hoping to get better games from veteran Sean Anthony, who scored only six points on 1-of-10 shooting, and No. 2 pick overall Jamie Malonzo, who had nine points and nine rebounds but shot only 3-of-12 from the floor.

Meanwhile, Rey Nambatac of Rain or Shine was voted as the first PBA Press Corps “Player of the Week” for the opening week.

The former Letran stalwart finished with a double-double of 20 points and 1 rebounds on top of 1.5 assists in the E-Painters’ victories over against NLEX and Blackwater.

Nambatac had 19 points and eight rebounds in the E-Painters’ close 83-82 win over the Road Warriors before following it up with a 21-12 double-double in their 72-61 drubbing of the Bossing.

Games today:

(Ynares Sports Arena)
3 p.m.– Phoenix vs. NorthPort
6 p.m. — Alaska vs.Magnolia