Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

5:15 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Magnolia

7:30 p.m. — Meralco vs Barangay Ginebra

Rain or Shine aims to stretch its winning streak to three against back-to-back victory-seeking Magnolia to stay in the second spot in Group B of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Elasto Painters have started to roll after a flat start and seek to end the first round on a positive note when they charge back on the battlefield at 5:15 p.m.

Meanwhile, Meralco and Barangay Ginebra square off in the main game at 7:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine moved up to a share of the second spot alongside the Bolts with a 2-2 win-loss record.

After an opening day rout at the hands of Blackwater followed by another setback to Meralco, the Elasto Painters rediscovered their winning way after hurdling Phoenix and the Kings.

Head coach Yeng Guiao has emphasized the importance of playing good defense for his team to get its running game going.

Rain or Shine wore out Ginebra in a 110-99 win last Sunday, in a match where the Elasto Painters led by as many as 18.

“I’m not worried about our offense. I think we’ve scored more than 100 points every game. So, it’s really just playing good defense and rebounding. When we get our rebounds, we’re able to run,” Guiao said.

The trio of Aaron Fuller, Caelan Tiongson and Adrian Nocum have been delivering consistent numbers for Rain or Shine.

Meanwhile, the Hotshots recovered from a two-game skid with a 112-98 decision over Meralco last week to barge into the win column.

Magnolia and Ginebra are at the bottom of the standings with 1-2 cards.

Magnolia coach LA Tenorio will once again pin his hopes on his import KJ Buffen to lead the way, backed by locals Zav Lucero, Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca.

“He’s (Buffen) been really working hard with the team; he listens to the locals. I think that’s very important, very good attitude towards the game of basketball, and he accepts his mistakes. So, I think that’s important, and for me that’s what we need in this team,” Tenorio said.

On the other hand, both the Bolts and Kings are searching for consistency to steady their rather shaky campaigns in the season-ending conference.

Ginebra is on a loss-win-loss run while Meralco’s two victories are sandwiched between losses.

All eyes will be on the matchup between Kings import Riley Grigsby and the Bolts’ Antonio Hester, who are both putting up good numbers as temporary reinforcements.

Grigsby is holding the fort until the return of injured four-time Best Import Justin Brownlee, while Hester is filling in for still-recovering Jordon Varnado.