TNT will have to do some cramming in the PBA Governors Cup before some of its players see action for the national team.
Meralco and NLEX kick off the season-ending tournament’s resumption this Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, with their match serving as an appetizer to the battle pitting the Tropang Giga against the Magnolia Hotshots.
TNT’s hectic schedule will see it play three more games before its core beefs up Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup qualifiers set Feb. 24-28, also at the Big Dome.
After the Hotshots, the Tropa next face Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday, San Miguel Beer on Feb. 16 and Ginebra two days later, according to the schedule released by the league yesterday.
In contrast, Meralco, the most well-rested team after playing just two games before play was halted early last month due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, would have some catching up to do.
The Bolts take on the Ginebra Kings on Sunday, NorthPort next Thursday, and Rain or Shine on Feb. 20.
Magnolia, which went into the break leading the pack with a 3-0 card, is also up for a grind as it takes on NLEX on Feb. 16 and Phoenix on Feb. 19.
