Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

5 p.m. — Eastern vs NLEX

7:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Meralco

NLEX aims to boost if not grab an outright seat in the quarterfinals when it tangles with Hong Kong Eastern in an all-important clash in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Carrying a 5-6 win-loss record, the Road Warriors are very much in control of their destiny.

That’s why head coach Jong Uichico emphasizes to his men that they should seize the golden opportunity to salvage their bumpy campaign by notching a third straight victory in the scheduled 5 p.m. tussle.

“Other teams are jostling for placing, but our current mindset is to get into the playoffs first,” Uichico said.

Meanwhile, Meralco is out to fuel its bid for a quarters twice-to-beat advantage against Barangay Ginebra at 7:30 p.m.

A victory over the quarters-bound Eastern will assure NLEX at least a playoff for a spot in the next round. A loss could ultimately send the Road Warriors packing for an early vacation.

The Road Warriors hope the momentum of their 122-110 domination of Rain or Shine will fuel their charge over the guest team shooting for a chance to land in the Top Two to bag a playoffs twice-to-beat advantage.

NLEX is looking at multiple scenarios in its quarters bid.

A win coupled with a Magnolia (5-6) loss to Meralco and Rain or Shine (6-5) defeat to TNT on Friday will hand the Road Warriors the No. 7 spot because of superior quotient over the Elasto Painters.

In case of a three-way tie at 6-6, NLEX will occupy the seventh spot while Magnolia and Rain or Shine will play a sudden death for No. 8.

If the Road Warriors lose, they must pray that the Hotshots won’t reach six wins.

A three-way tie at 5-7 will eliminate Magnolia and pit NLEX against defending champion San Miguel Beer in a playoff for the last berth in the next round.