Gin Kings, Hotshots renew Manila Clasico rivalry as both seek momentum

The Manila Clasico returns as Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia face off for the first time in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup later tonight at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with both teams looking to gain momentum as they enter the second half of their Group B campaigns.

According to Tiger Score Sportsbook, Ginebra enters as a 4.0-point favorite over Magnolia as of 4 p.m., while the over/under is set at 192.0.

The Kings are coming off an 84-75 victory over Meralco last Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, but they remain at 2-2 in the conference while adjusting to the absence of key players Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee.

Magnolia, meanwhile, fell to 1-3 after suffering a heartbreaking 98-97 defeat to Rain or Shine, with Adrian Nocum delivering the game-winning basket in the final seconds.

Despite Ginebra’s hard-earned victory over the Bolts, head coach Tim Cone remains cautious about facing Magnolia and believes the Hotshots will eventually find their rhythm under LA Tenorio.

"Hopefully, they figure it out after we play them on Sunday," Cone joked.

"They have a good team, and he's a good coach. And they're gonna figure it out before long. And if they do, watch out. They can go on a tough run."

The last meeting between the two teams came in the Season 50 Commissioner's Cup eliminations on April 10, when Ginebra escaped with a 91-89 victory after RJ Abarrientos hit the game-winning layup off a Scottie Thompson inbound pass with 6.3 seconds remaining.

Earlier at 5:15 p.m., Rain or Shine and Meralco collide in another Group B matchup.

The Elasto Painters enter as a 4.0-point favorite according to Tiger Score Sportsbook, with the total points line set at 215.5.

Rain or Shine has won three straight games after opening the conference with two consecutive losses, including victories over both Ginebra and Magnolia.

Meralco, meanwhile, is looking to end a two-game slide after falling to Ginebra and Magnolia. The Bolts currently sit at 2-3 in Group B and are dealing with injuries and illnesses to several key players.

Meralco was without CJ Cansino, Bong Quinto, Jason Brickman, and Raymond Almazan in its loss to Magnolia.