While the quarterfinal cast is already set, the final rankings remain in flux, turning the last two playdates of the preliminaries into a virtual chessboard where the top teams can — intentionally or not — shape their prospective knockout opponents beginning 24 November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The looming final shuffle gives frontrunners a chance to secure more favorable quarterfinal draws based on the current standings. Yet in a knockout environment where momentum, mettle and mastery often outweigh paper records, no team can afford to take anything for granted.

As structured, the quarterfinals pit No. 1 vs No. 8, No. 2 vs No. 7, No. 3 vs No. 6 and No. 4 vs No. 5. Winners advance to the semifinals — another sudden-death stage — before the last two survivors clash in a one-game championship duel.

Currently, PLDT, ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh are locked in a tight race for the No. 1 seed with identical 6-1 slates, each angling not only for the prestige of topping the table but also for a potentially favorable matchup against No. 8, currently Capital1.

ZUS Coffee opens today’s explosive triple-header at 1:30 p.m., battling winless Nxled. Despite their first stumble — courtesy of Cignal’s surge — the Thunderbelles are tipped to handle the 0-7 Chameleons, a win that could keep them firmly in the hunt for the top two seeds.

PLDT’s path, however, is much trickier. The High Speed Hitters close their prelims campaign on Thursday against the two-time Reinforced Conference champions Petro Gazz Angels, a team fully capable of derailing their bid for the No. 1 spot.

A PLDT victory could set up a quarterfinal duel versus Capital1; a loss could send the PVL On Tour and Invitational champions tumbling into a more dangerous bracket — possibly against either Petro Gazz or Cignal.

Meanwhile, Akari sits in fifth at 4-3 and is hoping to climb at least one notch to avoid a potentially lethal showdown with No. 4 Creamline – a team whose championship pedigree, endgame poise and knack for rising during do-or-die matches make them the most feared No. 4 seed in conference history.

“It's a process, even though it's a long process that can be done but still a process that can’t be done overnight,” said Chargers head coach Tina Salak.

“But we're still looking forward to end this second round with a win again. It will be a good prep for the quarterfinal,” she added.