Do or die for Meralco
AFTER a two-week break, the Bay Area Dragons look to extend their winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco, on the other hand, is simply hoping to save its injury-marred campaign with new import KJ McDaniels in tow.
The well-rested Dragons and the struggling Bolts square off when the PBA returns from a four-day break in observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
Game time is 3 p.m. with Bay Area gunning for a league-best 7-1 record, and the Bolts hoping to improve their 1-5 mark in this mid-season conference.
“The matchup versus Bay Area will be tough, especially since (Cliff) Hodge will be out with an ankle sprain and (Chris) Newsome is still out with his calf injury,” said Meralco coach Norman Black when asked about the game against the Hong Kong-based Dragons.
Black, however, is hoping McDaniels, who replaced Johnny O’Bryant, can help turn things around.
“KJ has practiced with us only three days, but he is adjusting well to his new team,” added Black, referring to the NBA veteran who previously played for Meralco’s sister teams TNT and NLEX.
In the 5:45 p.m. mainer, NorthPort and Rain or Shine clash in a pivotal game that could make or break their respective campaigns.
Both the Batang Pier and th E-Painters carry identical 3-4 win-loss records.
The two teams are currently tied with TNT Tropang Giga in eighth to 10th places.
San Miguel Beer and NLEX are tied at 3-3.
