League-leading Magnolia and NLEX try to zero in on a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage and move up to solo top spot in an exciting encounter in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tied on the leaderboard with 7-2 win-loss slates, both squads aim to take a step closer on a crucial playoffs incentive in their 7:30 p.m. battle.

Meanwhile, TNT eyes a sixth straight win to join the frantic quarters advantage chase in a showdown with also-ran Blackwater at 5 p.m.

The Road Warriors will have a slight advantage in momentum coming off a morale-boosting 105-95 victory over Phoenix last Sunday.

But missing players due to injury or illness could pose a problem for NLEX.

The Road Warriors played sans Richie Rodger, Mike Miranda, Enoch Valdez, Jonnel Policarpio and Dominic Fajardo in their last outing.

“We know they beefed up their roster and are stronger but what we can do is look for ways (to win). Just try, bring our utmost effort,” NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said.

“We know too well that Magnolia is a strong team but again all we could do now is to keep on fighting. That’s (our mindset) approaching the game.”

The Hotshots, on the other hand, gave a glimpse of what’s to come with the acquisition of youthful big man William Navarro in a trade with NorthPort last week.

Although Navarro was limited to five points in his debut game in a sorry 81-85 Magnolia loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, his presence added ceiling, youth and strength for the Hotshots.