NORTHPORT Batang Pier hopes to get back on the winning track, while NLEX returns to action minus injured star guard Kevin Alas as the two teams square off in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier, who have won their first two games before falling to solo leader Magnolia Chicken Timplados last Friday, and the Road Warriors, who face another significant challenge with the loss of Alas, clash in the featured encounter at 8 p.m.

Led by import Venky Jois’, the Batang Pier swept their first two assignments against Terrafirma (108-103) and Rain or Shine ( 113-103) before losing to Magnolia (74-112).

NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan hopes Vois, who was held to only 16 points and eight rebounds in the loss to Magnolia after averaging 36.5 points and 15.5 rebounds in their two victories, will regain his shooting touch against an NLEX side still smarting from the loss of Alas due of injury.

Alas, one of the team’s more dependable local scorers, has been diagnosed with an ACL tear — his third such injury — during NLEX’s game against Terrafirma.

“May plano si God,” said Alas, who is scheduled to undergo surgery in December once the swelling around his injured knee has subsided.

Unfortunately, there will be a prolonged waiting period of 10 to 12 months before he can make a return to action.

As a result, Alas will be sidelined for the entirety of PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, where the Road Warriors currently hold a 1-2 record, having suffered losses to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters and Terrafirma Dyip, along with a reversal against the San Miguel Beermen.

Despite the setback of Alas’ injury, NLEX looks to bounce back behind import Thomas Earl Robinson and his teammates aim to bounce back and stay in the hunt.

In the 4 p.m. curtainraiser, Terrafirma’guns for its third win in four games against TNT.

The Dyip, however, will have to do it with top gunner Juami Tiongson and Kemark Carino remaining doubtful starters due to illness and Belgian import Thomas de Thaey nursing a groin injury that may limit his playing time.

Games Wednesday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Terrafirma vs. TNT
8 p.m. — NorthPort vs. NLEX