Road Warriors to resume winning ways with new import

Games today:

(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)

5:15 p.m. — NLEX vs Macau

7:30 p.m. — Terrafirma vs TNT

NLEX aims for a positive resumption of its campaign and to secure a quarterfinals seat against guest team Macau in the return of hostilities in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Refreshed from a rare nearly two-month break as the league gave way to the country’s participation in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Road Warriors march back into action at 5:15 p.m., hoping to replicate their great start in the season-ending conference.

NLEX will parade new import Deonte Burton as a replacement for injured DeQuan Jones, who suffered a season-ending right leg injury in a win over defending champion TNT last 11 August.

The team is also motivated to regain its winning ways after dropping its match against Converge, 110-112, last 14 August before the long break, playing with an all-Filipino roster.

NLEX shares the Group A lead with San Miguel Beer, holding identical 7-2 win-loss records.

Road Warriors head coach Jimmy Alapag believes Burton, whom he worked with during his time as Sacramento Kings’ player development coach, is a perfect fit for the team.

“We’re excited that DB’s in town. He’s been here for a few weeks now, so hopefully, he’s been able to get a chance to get adjusted and acclimated to how we want to play and how he can be most effective for our team,” Alapag said.

“He’s been great. Again, I think there’s always an advantage of getting an import here early. It gives him a chance to not only see how he can be effective, but more importantly, build relationships with our guys. And so far, so good. So excited to see him out there on Wednesday,” he added.

The Road Warriors blew out the Giant Pandas, 114-75, in their first-round meeting.

Robert Bolick is also back with the crew following his Asiad stint with Gilas Pilipinas, eager to help NLEX get through to the playoffs with young gun Ljay Gonzales, Schonny Winston, JB Bahio, Kevin Alas and Tony Semerad backing him up.

The Giant Pandas, on the other hand, have dropped their last two outings for a 2-6 slate, putting them on the brink of elimination in the quarters race.

Meanwhile, the Tropang 5G sport a new reinforcement but with the same urgency in a clash with Terrafirma at 7:30 p.m.

TNT brings in 31-year-old journeyman Nick Hornsby as its third import of the conference. The Sacramento State product — who most recently suited up for Hangtuah Jakarta in the Indonesian Basketball League and was a CEBL All-Second Team selection in 2026 — takes over from Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson.

The Tropang 5G have a 4-4 slate in a precarious position in fourth spot. Only the top four teams after the double-round robin pool stage will advance to the crossover quarters.

TNT went 2-2 with Darius Days and 2-2 with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson while waiting for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to get in shape.

Calvin Oftana has recovered from a hamstring injury and is coming off Gilas Pilipinas duty in the Asian Games, bringing much hope for the Tropang 5G’s turnaround.

On the other side, the Dyip stick with Justin Strings, seeking a repeat of their earlier overtime upset over TNT, 111-106.

Terrafirma carries a 3-5 mark in fifth spot but very much in the running for a playoffs seat.