The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Talk ‘N Text KaTropa at 7:00 P.M. on July 17, 2019 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Hotshots wanted to end their awful three-game losing skid while the KaTropa will put a stamp that they’re the number one squad at the end of the elimination round of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
To improve their chances to have a better import match-up, coach Chito Victolero wanted a new import to reinforce his squad.
That’s why James Farr got released by Magnolia and hired an NBA veteran Rakeem Christmas who had a stint with the Indiana Pacers for two seasons.
“Siyempre hindi rin naman matatawaran yung ginawa ni James (Farr) sa team, nag-limang sunod nga (na panalo) kami sa kanya,” Victolero said.
“But we feel lang [that] to go deep into the playoffs, we need to match up with the other imports. Kita mo naman ang lalakas nung mga import na dumating,” he added.
Magnolia’s win is very crucial for them, not only that they’ll break a long skid but most importantly they can avoid either NorthPort Batang Pier or TNT KaTropa in the quarterfinals where both carry a twice-to-beat advantage.
A victory then they’ll engage in a best-of-three showdown and their opponent will be the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel where they have eliminated in the playoffs in the past two conferences.
For TNT on the other hand, they’re now sure for the precious perks in the post-elims but for sure coach, Bong Ravena wanted to challenge his troops to finish strong.
Talk ‘N Text is currently at the number one spot but in case they fall to the Hotshots this evening then they’ll tie with the NorthPort Batang Pier at 9-2.
By virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule, the Batang Pier will take over their current position.