Brgy. Ginebra is playing for their lives in tonight's game against Magnolia. That is a little bit of shocking because we all expect them to at least be at the middle now, fighting for a top 2 spot.
On the other hand, Magnolia just ended a three-game slide after winning against TNT Ka Tropa. Magnolia is also not safe yet from elimination and with only three games left, they cannot let this one go.
So, which team will win tonight's game?
Let us analyze.
X Factors
1. Justin Brownlee
2. Bench scoring
3. Points in the Paint
Brownlee is struggling. It could be due to the fact that he is facing taller and bigger imports at this conference. We can also say that the other teams are familiar with him already.
Justin is shooting 32% in the field. That is even awful if that is his efficiency from beyond the arc. Even in their last game, which they won against NLEX, he only connected on 8 of his 23 tries in the field.
The bench will also be vital. Magnolia is known to play their bench a lot. Their back-ups average 42.6 points per game. Which is way higher than the 26.9 point from the bench of Ginebra.
In their big win against TNT, the Hotshots limited Ka Tropa to 28 points in the paint. If they can replicate that against Ginebra, they will surely get the W.
Prediction
Without Marc Pingris to man Brownlee, Magnolia could be forced to put shorter players on Brownlee. The size of Ginebra could overwhelm Magnolia.
One factor that can push Magnolia over Ginebra is their bench scoring. If their 2nd unit manages to execute well, it will be a big relief to their starters.
Overall, my money will go with Ginebra. Magnolia is also struggling so expecting them to play a perfect game tonight is not right.
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