The injury bug continues to bite hard on grand slam-seeking TNT with starter RR Pogoy a probable scratch in the squad’s drive for a commanding lead in Game 3 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series against Rain or Shine.
Pogoy aggravated a left hamstring injury early in the second quarter that left him riding the bench the rest of the way as the Tropang 5G barely escaped the Elasto Painters, 113-105, in overtime in Game 2 for a 2-0 series lead Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
He himself doubted his availability in today’s match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“The doctor told me it’s day-to-day but I doubt I’d be available on Sunday. I don’t think I can play,” Pogoy said.
Even TNT’s physical therapists advised the 33-year-old guard to skip Game 3.
“They told me to just take a rest,” he added.
Pogoy revealed that it was a lingering health issue since the start of the playoffs.
“I already felt it since Game 2 (of the quarterfinals) against Magnolia. I just played through it,” the combo guard said.
“I felt it also in Game 1 before it flared up again when I attempted a layup.”
He went down with 11:06 in the second quarter following a layup attempt with TNT down, 31-21. Pogoy was subbed out and called it a night after scoring 11 points on 5-of-7 field goal shooting.