BEFORE yet another lengthy break, the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissionerโs Cup hosts two critical games expected to affect the wild race to the quarterfinals.
Already through to the next round, league-leading Meralco (7-1) now looks at improving its chances of finishing in the top two as it plays unpredictable GlobalPort (2-6) at 4:15 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bolts are also in chase for their fourth straight win.
In an equally critical tilt, TNT KaTropa and Star, tied for fourth place with similar 6-2 cards, break their deadlock as they cross paths at 7 p.m.
Following a weekend full of movements left and right, these four teams playing are bound to present a new look.
All of them will have new faces, with one team even changing imports over the weekend.
Meralco made a minor tweaking despite its good campaign thus far.
It will now have an added shooter in Garvo Lanete to take the place of promising rookie Jonathan Grey, who was dealt away.
On the other hand, the Batang Pier had a major overhaul upfront as it now has an entire different big men at its disposal.
GlobalPort will now be reinforced by Sean Anthony, Bradwyn Guinto and Grey after parting ways with JR Quinahan and Anthony Semerad.
The Batang Pier are hoping that these new bunch can help the team in its cause against the Bolts as they try to stay in contention for a spot in the top eight.
The Hotshots and the Tropang Texters each made significant moves as well ahead of their match-up.
Star tapped a familiar face as it brought back Ricardo Ratliffe, its import from last season, to take the place of Tony Mitchell.
For TNT, it acquired Semerad while giving away one of its seasoned players in Larry Fonacier.
