It is not surprising that San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra ended up in the playoffs. On the other hand, Rain or Shine and Northport are always on the fringe.
So, it is time to give our prediction!
#2 San Miguel (Twice-to-beat edge) VS #7 Rain or Shine
Junemar Fajardo
Assists
4th Quarter Scoring
The performance and health of Fajardo is crucial in this battle. Rain or Shine may need to use their import against him. If Fajardo is healthy, he will be hard to overcome for Rain or Shine.
Both teams are top 3 in assists and they are the top 2 teams in terms of points per game. It is not shocking for San Miguel but it is for Rain or Shine. Thus, assists will represent the quality of the offense of the two teams.
San Miguel has a big edge in terms of playoff experience. On the other hand, Rain or Shine will have that in the head coach department.
Prediction
There is a chance that Rain or Shine will force this to a do-or-die with the right tactical play against Fajardo and with the right push by coach Yeng. Beating SMB twice though is too much to believe for me. So, I am going with SMB in this one.
#3 Ginebra (Twice-to-beat edge) VS #6 Northport
Christian Standhardinger
Second-chance points
Management
Looking at the line-up of Northport, I do not think they have a player that can shadow Standhardinger for the entire game and make it hard for him.
Northport is one of the best in getting second-chance opportunities. They need to grab as many as they can because size is a big disadvantage for them.
Management represents the factor that we all know. If Northport will play this series the way we expect them to be, then, there is no need for any discussion.
Prediction:
All the factors point to the favor of Ginebra. I do not think a do-or-die game will happen.
Recent Prediction: PBA Playoffs Prediction: Meralco and TNT can overcome twice-to-beat disadvantage?
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