Slaughter set for return as Ginebra plays Blackwater
Games Today (Alonte Sports Arena, Biñan) 4:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs NLEX 7 p.m. – Ginebra vs Blackwater
Greg Slaughter is set to make his return from an ankle injury as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel tries to end a winless start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup when it takes on Blackwater at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
Coach Tim Cone said Slaughter will play limited minutes after the missing the past 10 games dating back to the Philippine Cup eliminations due to a severe left ankle sprain sustained in practice.
Slaughter hasn’t played since Feb. 18 against Meralco at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“With Greg back on restricted minutes, we’ll try to use our size to our advantage and create mismatches,” said Cone. “Needless to say, we need to start developing some momentum before it gets too late.”
Cone, however, didn’t give any hint regarding the future of import Charles Garcia, whose performance in losses to Rain or Shine and TNT KaTropa left Ginebra supporters begging for more.
It also raised speculations of beloved import Justin Brownlee making his return after helping Alab Pilipinas capture the ASEAN Basketball League crown, though the 7 p.m. contest with the Elite is expected to be Garcia’s last chance at proving his worth.
Blackwater, meanwhile, is aching to arrest a 0-4 start and give new coach Bong Ramos his first win after replacing longtime mentor Leo Isaac.
Ramos’ debut last May 2 ended on a losing note when the Elite fell 117-106 to the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Meanwhile, NLEX shoots for its first victory in the 4:30 p.m. opener against a Phoenix squad on a high after Sunday’s 89-87 upset of Philippine Cup finalist Magnolia.
The Road Warriors started the conference with three straight losses, compounded by import problems that saw Arnett Moultrie arriving in the second game of the conference due to issues surrounding his recent stint in Bahrain.
Phoenix, which beat Magnolia on Matthew Wright’s last-second three, eyes its second straight victory and forge a share of second to fourth places with Meralco and Rain or Shine at 3-1.