Weekend Preview and Prediction: SMB-NLEX, STAR-ROS, BGSM-ALA

(c) PBA Media Bureau

This weekend, San Miguel will try to finally unleash their best form against the struggling Road Warriors. James Yap and Star will finally meet in the court and Ginebra will test the winning streak of the Aces.

SMB-NLEX

That close win against Mahindra was truly embarrassing. The Beermen hopefuls better hope that, that game ignited some pride and focus from the players. NLEX continue to struggle under coach Yeng. They currently average the most turnovers per game.

Prediction
We can say that these two squads are struggling which makes it hard to decide. Coach Yeng can ignite the fire under his players and push them over San Miguel. I don't think NLEX can fix their turnover woes and that will be enough for the Beermen, that has a 3.5 score in Steals and Blocks.

STAR-ROS

James Yap and Paul Lee will face their former teams. Star is on the rise with two dominant victories while Rain or Shine exhibited consistency even with the departure of their franchise player and coach. Who  will stop their former team from climbing in the standings, Yap or Lee?

Prediction
Both squads rely heavily to their three-point shooting. The interesting thing is, they defend the long bombs very well, too. One number that made me choose Rain or Shine is the 39% FG that their opponent's shot. Star is shooting 50% in the field, best in the league, and they will face a team who can pull that down.

I am going Rain or Shine. I expect a close game and I will not be shock if Star will be the one to pull the W out of the crunch.

BGSM-ALA

Ginebra will play Mahindra this Friday and I will not be able to add their performance to my decision. Alaska is coming of a game that they should have loss but they manage to win it. With a very tight race this season, this will be a critical game for both squad.

Prediction
Ginebra failed to score over 85 points against Globalport and Rain or Shine. That is alarming but a good game against Mahindra can re-calibrate them. The key for this game is the three-point shooting of Ginebra. They are averaging four three-pointers a game with 22% shooting.

Alaska defends three-point shots pretty well but it will be hard for them to overcome the size advantage of Ginebra. It will boil down to the few rebounds that Devance and Aguilar grab with their height advantage, alone.