The battle at the top and at the bottom is fierce. There is a chance that San Miguel and Ginebra may not qualify for the playoffs!
Four teams are just a game apart from each other for the twice-to-beat edge at the top of the standing.
The grind in the elimination round is also about minimizing weaknesses in each game. And for each team, this is the weakness that they need to focus on.
Blackwater - Local Support
There is only one local Elite who is shooting 50% or better and that is Rabeh Al-Hussaini. The core of JP Erram, Allein Maliksi and Mac Belo are shooting 47%, 38% and 42%, respectively. There is no way a team can expect to win in a conference with imports if their core players are all struggling.
NLEX - Lack of playmaking
At the start of the conference, NLEX was already struggling because defenses have focused on Kiefer Ravena. And now that Kiefer is out, they are more in trouble as they are having a hard time breaking down the defense of their opponent.
Brgy. Ginebra - Turnovers
Not turning the ball over is a basic in team basketball. Ginebra is having a hard time doing that as their opponents' tighten up their defenses against them. It seems like their opponents have been familiar with the system that they are running and it is not helping them that they are lacking players with tight handles.
Phoenix - Three-Point Shooting
Outside shooting is an essential part of the scheme of Phoenix. So, hitting only 28% of their attempts is the main reason why they are only 3-5. That is the worst mark in the league and they are also attempting the 2nd least number of attempts.
San Miguel - Assists
Boredom? That is a legit possibility. That happens when you have the undisputed most powerful line-up in the league. They have the 4th lowest assist per game in the league. Integrating Christian Standhardinger and their imports in their offense are taking its toll.
Columbia - Lack of depth
Can you even name five players in the line-up of Columbia? Even though they are doing well than expected, it is still very glaring that their squad as a whole is less-talented than their opponent. They are winning because they are playing a very-fast pace that overwhelmed their victims. Unfortunately, it also backfires when their top players tire out and did not hit enough shots.
Globalport - bench
The starting five of Globalport can go toe-to-toe with any starting five in the league. Unfortunately, once their back-ups enter the game, the disparity in scoring punch becomes apparent. They have the worst bench in terms of scoring. Maybe better plays for the bench can help or they may try to sign a free-agent scorer.
Magnolia - Rebounding
It was inevitable that Magnolia will struggle in getting rebounds once Ian Sangalang was also hit with an injury. They are now the 2nd worst rebounding team in the league, limiting their opportunity to score in the fastbreak and finishing their defensive position.
TNT - Fouls
TNT is disruptive and pressures their opponent at a high rate. That made them commit the most fouls per game with 27.8. Committing a lot of fouls means their opponent is always closer to the foul penalty that their opponent can take advantage.
Meralco - Free-throw shooting
Meralco's slow-pace system is anchored on post plays and good shots. It doesn't help them that they are not hitting their free-throws at a good rate. They are the worst free-throw shooting team in the league at 60%. They are letting go of 8 freebies per game, which can be vital to their snail-type pace.
Alaska - Three-Point Attempts
Although they are at the top of the standings, they may need to increase their three-point attempt rate. They are firing the least number of threes per game, which can haunt them in the playoffs. Attempting threes helps in stretching the floor and providing spaces for the offense.
Rain or Shine - Turnovers
Rain or Shine is taking advantage of their size. They are the top rebounding team in the league and they also score pretty well in the paint. One thing that can further help them is to reduce their turnovers. That way they can attempt more threes and more post shots which are efficient shots.
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