The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Meralco Bolts at 7:00 P.M. on May 18, 2018 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams are on the way to its three-game winning streak but only one will get that prize after the collission of the Bolts and the Hotshots in Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This night will mark as the last game of Vernon Macklin in the PBA or atleast for the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as the 6’10” bruiser is set to join his other team in the China’s National Basketball League.

“From the start, alam namin aalis siya for China. Our agreement is for him to play with us in our first four games. Maganda naman ang timing because we have a two-week break after our Friday’s game. We have time to find a replacement,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Many PBA fans are asking especially from the Hotshots faithful if Magnolia will bring back Ricardo Ratliffe who helped them during last year’s Commissioner’s Cup semi-finals round against the San Miguel Beermen.

“May clause sa contract niya (Ratliffe) with the Korean national team na hindi siya pwede maglaro outside of Korea. So wala siya sa listahan,” said Victolero.

Just last Wednesday, Magnolia lambasted the Columbian Dyip with a blowing 126-101 victory. The Hotshots even had a 38-point lead and decided to keep Macklin and Paul Lee resting on their the bench.

Hotshots will definitely ride on that winning momentum as they tackle the much tougher Meralco Bolts.

Arinze Onuako will resume its import duties with the Bolts tonight and looking forward to bring his team at the top of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings. Onuako is currently powering Meralco with his 19.7 points and 17 rebounds an outing.

Chris Newsome is also having a great start this second conference as he boost his scoring output to 20 points per game plus his 4.25 and 5.75 rebounds a night.