Magnolia and NorthPort also hope to breach .500 mark in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday.
Injury-hit Meralco eyes solo lead when it takes on Converge in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, September 4.
Coming off a 109-99 win over NorthPort, the Bolts gun for a third straight triumph and the top spot in Group A which also features TNT, Magnolia, and Terrafirma.
Despite injuries to key players like Aaron Black (meniscus), Allein Maliksi (knee), and Raymond Almazan (knee), Meralco managed to pile up three wins in four games for a share of the no. 1 slate with the Tropang Giga.
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Black and Maliksi are expected to sit out for a month, while Almazan is expected to be back soon.
As if that was not enough, Cliff Hodge also had to sit out most of the match against the Batang Pier because of back issues.
The Bolts will need the bench led by Anjo Caram to step up anew when it faces the FiberXers (2-2) in the 5pm match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Meanwhile, Magnolia and the Batang Pier collide in the main event at 7:30pm.
Both toting 2-2 tallies, the Hotshots and NorthPort hope to go above the .500 mark after the game.
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is confident with the way his wards rediscovered its defensive ways.
“We're on the right track,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero. “The thing is we need to be competitive and beat those teams na kailangan namin talunin.”