2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[blockman]

Yes, it's just a best of 5 series for both Phoenix vs Magnolia and SMB vs Ginebra. All of the schedules are there until Sunday and basically three games for both brackets will be done. SMB and Ginebra is for sure going to have a lot of crowd even this is just a semi finals. And both sister companies are going to fight for moving to the finals while their other sister against Fuel Masters. It's basically three SMB companies on the semi finals and it is going to surprise a lot of fans if Fuel Masters will take this championship. 

That's also the scenario that I'm going to say, what if fuelmaster will manage to move forward and eventually win a tittle, though stats wise they are still young compared with Magnolia and in every aspects Magnolia have that advantages, let see if how they will try everything to move up and escape the top seeder  then try another luck to win against the heavy favorite either SMB or Ginebra  which is another difficult team to compete with.

A matter  of pride  for all SMC franchises,  though nothing is impossible especially inside PBA but let just enjoy the game and see what the team will deliver during this semi finals  matches.

I think that it will give some fans the feedback that they should watch the league again as it is not MVP or SMB team that has won the championships. It's what I have been reading that many of the fans have been tired watching the semis to finals that it's always an MVP or SMB that reaches there and gets there. It's just a what if and it's still going to depend to FuelMasters if they're going to win against Magnolia. The hot talks about RSA and Alchua's teams, who's the stronger boss on this semi finals. 

[Russlenat]

Not sure if it's a best of 7 or best of 5, but I think Phoenix will be lucky to win a game.

It's a best of 5 series, and you can verify that on their website. https://pba.ph/
Don't forget that tomorrow will be the first game of the semi finals, we have the double header, Phoenix vs Magnolia on first game and SMB vs Ginebra on the 2nd game.

Yes, it's just a best of 5 series for both Phoenix vs Magnolia and SMB vs Ginebra. All of the schedules are there until Sunday and basically three games for both brackets will be done. SMB and Ginebra is for sure going to have a lot of crowd even this is just a semi finals. And both sister companies are going to fight for moving to the finals while their other sister against Fuel Masters. It's basically three SMB companies on the semi finals and it is going to surprise a lot of fans if Fuel Masters will take this championship. 

That will be a big surprise if it will happen. This young team going to the finals and beat either SMB or Ginebra, that's a cinderalla story. Right now, they aren't even expected to win in game 1 as the handicap is so high, it opened with +9.5 and it close to +8.5. I'm not sure if Fuel Masters will be able to make it a close game but hopefully they will so we will be able to witness an entertaining match.

What I like about this young team now is that they are complete, they have an unselfish import and they are slowing gaining some confidence which it's very much needed against  tough depender team.

[Kelvinid]

What I like about this young team now is that they are complete, they have an unselfish import and they are slowing gaining some confidence which it's very much needed against  tough depender team.

I would say they are battle tested team. Winning against Meralco is such a huge achievement from a young team. And according to their coach, they have a silent leader which is their import, that's why they are successful now. It's a low scoring game so far, 16-18 after the first quarter, Magnolia only leading by 2 points. it's a long way to go and it seems like it might end up to be a close one and bookies might be wrong giving Phoenix a high handicap.

[Distinctin]

What I like about this young team now is that they are complete, they have an unselfish import and they are slowing gaining some confidence which it's very much needed against  tough depender team.

I would say they are battle tested team. Winning against Meralco is such a huge achievement from a young team. And according to their coach, they have a silent leader which is their import, that's why they are successful now. It's a low scoring game so far, 16-18 after the first quarter, Magnolia only leading by 2 points. it's a long way to go and it seems like it might end up to be a close one and bookies might be wrong giving Phoenix a high handicap.

Very close match so far. The first half is over and Phoenix had a 3 point lead.

The score now is 41-38, and both teams are just shooting less than 40%. As to import vs import match up, Williams is still scoreless but already have 7 rebounds and 3 assists. I guess that pretty much say that he is an unselfish player because despite being scoreless, his team is leading by 3 points.

What I saw on the stat sheet is Magnolia's bad 3 point shooting, they are only 1-13. Maybe we will see some adjustment in the 2nd half, or maybe they'll focus their attack on the paint so they could score and possibly gets fouled.

Per Bookie live betting, Magnolia is still favored but only a slight favorite as from -8.5, they are down to -4.5 now.

[Japinat]

Per Bookie live betting, Magnolia is still favored but only a slight favorite as from -8.5, they are down to -4.5 now.

Magnolia won but it was a very close game. I wonder what would be the handicap in the next game. It seems like Phoenix is also a tough team, they were able to keep it close but their inexperience was their disadvantage in closing a game. It's 1-0 now, but this is a best of 5 series, so it's still too early to conclude.

Next game, it might still be the Phoenix covering the handicap, or they might upset the Magnolia to tie the series.

About the 2nd game, it was a nail - biter game. It's a game of run but in the end it was only a 2 points win by the SMB. CZ Perez was the best player but JMF has a huge contribution that game, his offensive rebound help them secure a win.

[blockman]

It's basically three SMB companies on the semi finals and it is going to surprise a lot of fans if Fuel Masters will take this championship. 

That will be a big surprise if it will happen. This young team going to the finals and beat either SMB or Ginebra, that's a cinderalla story. Right now, they aren't even expected to win in game 1 as the handicap is so high, it opened with +9.5 and it close to +8.5. I'm not sure if Fuel Masters will be able to make it a close game but hopefully they will so we will be able to witness an entertaining match.

Well, the game 1 has already ended and Magnolia has won it. But it's going to be a surprise if this series will end up in favor of Fuel masters. It's just that we want to see a new team take that championship but with how strong these sister teams are, they have to deal with hard times beating them.

What I like about this young team now is that they are complete, they have an unselfish import and they are slowing gaining some confidence which it's very much needed against  tough depender team.

Only three points lead and that's thanks to their team work. I agree that this team is still young and has a lot of way to go but then, we're seeing them on the semis already and if they won't be fortunate to end this season in the finals, all they need to do is to keep on working on and they'll definitely back there again. Anyway, it's too early to talk about it as the series hasn't ended yet.

[Fredomago]

Per Bookie live betting, Magnolia is still favored but only a slight favorite as from -8.5, they are down to -4.5 now.

Magnolia won but it was a very close game. I wonder what would be the handicap in the next game. It seems like Phoenix is also a tough team, they were able to keep it close but their inexperience was their disadvantage in closing a game. It's 1-0 now, but this is a best of 5 series, so it's still too early to conclude.

Next game, it might still be the Phoenix covering the handicap, or they might upset the Magnolia to tie the series.

About the 2nd game, it was a nail - biter game. It's a game of run but in the end it was only a 2 points win by the SMB. CZ Perez was the best player but JMF has a huge contribution that game, his offensive rebound help them secure a win.

I like the way both games ends up, those who place on the handicap manage to win  for sure, especially those early birds who take the risk betting for Phoenix's handicap, they manage to cover it as they really played well though just like you mentioned they are still young and inexperienced competing against the team who already established their communication and better plays for executions.

2nd game result, that's what we going to expect against super teams playing against each other, close game and hard to predict, SMB managed to escape and take game 1 but for sure game will be for Gin kings as coach Tim will adjust.

[Kelvinid]

Per Bookie live betting, Magnolia is still favored but only a slight favorite as from -8.5, they are down to -4.5 now.

Magnolia won but it was a very close game. I wonder what would be the handicap in the next game. It seems like Phoenix is also a tough team, they were able to keep it close but their inexperience was their disadvantage in closing a game. It's 1-0 now, but this is a best of 5 series, so it's still too early to conclude.

Next game, it might still be the Phoenix covering the handicap, or they might upset the Magnolia to tie the series.

About the 2nd game, it was a nail - biter game. It's a game of run but in the end it was only a 2 points win by the SMB. CZ Perez was the best player but JMF has a huge contribution that game, his offensive rebound help them secure a win.

I like the way both games ends up, those who place on the handicap manage to win  for sure, especially those early birds who take the risk betting for Phoenix's handicap, they manage to cover it as they really played well though just like you mentioned they are still young and inexperienced competing against the team who already established their communication and better plays for executions.

Way too easy for the Phoenix. they always even win the game, they just fell short in the end. they go toe to toe from the first to the 3rd quarter, but they collapse a bit in the 4th. For sure adjustments will be made in the 2nd game and I feel like Phoenix will still be able to cover the spread.

2nd game result, that's what we going to expect against super teams playing against each other, close game and hard to predict, SMB managed to escape and take game 1 but for sure game will be for Gin kings as coach Tim will adjust.

That was a very good game, everyone was sure happy with the way it turns out. Even me, I bet on the losing game but I'm still happen with how Ginebra played the game. I felt that they'll be able to even the series in game 2, so I'm betting on them. Now they are only -1.5, taking it early gives advantage to bettors like me.

[Finestream]

2nd game result, that's what we going to expect against super teams playing against each other, close game and hard to predict, SMB managed to escape and take game 1 but for sure game will be for Gin kings as coach Tim will adjust.

That was a very good game, everyone was sure happy with the way it turns out. Even me, I bet on the losing game but I'm still happen with how Ginebra played the game. I felt that they'll be able to even the series in game 2, so I'm betting on them. Now they are only -1.5, taking it early gives advantage to bettors like me.

Yeah, that's right, they flipped line because it was SMB which was the favorite in game 1 and now Ginebra is the slight favorite. Game 2 is a must win by Ginebra, otherwise, they will lose in the semi finals as it's hard to come back from a 0-2 deficit where every game it's a do or die for them.

As what the announcers mentioned, game 1 winner has a higher chance to win the series. I could not remember the percentage but if the trend persist, it will be SMB which will be advancing in the Finals.

Ginebra needs to do a great job on CJ Perez as the was the one who contributes big for SMB, he needs to be limited.

[Russlenat]

As what the announcers mentioned, game 1 winner has a higher chance to win the series. I could not remember the percentage but if the trend persist, it will be SMB which will be advancing in the Finals.

But trend does are not followed all the time. I think we will see some exemption this time. Besides, that lose from Ginebra was not really a lose that they can't beat SMB, it was a tough game a close one but SMB ended up lucky in the end. I'd call it lucky because they didn't Ginebra, so game two should be Ginebra "ALL IN", if we want to make quick buck. 

I have a feeling that this series will reach to game 5.

Ginebra needs to do a great job on CJ Perez as the was the one who contributes big for SMB, he needs to be limited.

For sure we will see that kind of adjustment in game 2. They didn't start strong, so this time they'll have two as they know how capable SMB is.

[Maslate]

As what the announcers mentioned, game 1 winner has a higher chance to win the series. I could not remember the percentage but if the trend persist, it will be SMB which will be advancing in the Finals.

But trend does are not followed all the time. I think we will see some exemption this time. Besides, that lose from Ginebra was not really a lose that they can't beat SMB, it was a tough game a close one but SMB ended up lucky in the end. I'd call it lucky because they didn't Ginebra, so game two should be Ginebra "ALL IN", if we want to make quick buck. 

I have a feeling that this series will reach to game 5.

Same here, PBA will be able to make a good amount of money if they'll extend this series. Both teams are capable so this will be very close game but we can trust the refs to do the right thing to make this series more exciting to watch. SMB has taken the lead but it's far from over, 1-0 lead is not safe, but 2-0 is already different, and Ginebra should not allow that to happen.

Also, I don't know Tim Cone or the PBA would allow Ginebra will be swept, that's not gonna happen even in my dreams. Therefore, it's not brainer that we should bet on Ginebra in game 2, and double them in game 3 if they lose.

Ginebra needs to do a great job on CJ Perez as the was the one who contributes big for SMB, he needs to be limited.

For sure we will see that kind of adjustment in game 2. They didn't start strong, so this time they'll have two as they know how capable SMB is.

They might succeed in limiting Perez, but what if Romeol will play in game 2? He didn't play in game 1 although he was with the team as he isn't 100% yet, their coach would not risk him but when it matters most, for sure he'll play and contribute.

[bisdak40]

Same here, PBA will be able to make a good amount of money if they'll extend this series. Both teams are capable so this will be very close game but we can trust the refs to do the right thing to make this series more exciting to watch. SMB has taken the lead but it's far from over, 1-0 lead is not safe, but 2-0 is already different, and Ginebra should not allow that to happen.

Also, I don't know Tim Cone or the PBA would allow Ginebra will be swept, that's not gonna happen even in my dreams. Therefore, it's not brainer that we should bet on Ginebra in game 2, and double them in game 3 if they lose.

Ginebra -2.5 @1.84 vs SMB

^^ My bet as the Gin Kings would make some adjustment and high chance that they will win the game and cover the spread. They were just careless in game 1 that cost them the game but i think they will recover and bounce back. For bettors, that odds is so juicy considering that this game is must win situation for Ginebra.

[Hypnosis00]

Same here, PBA will be able to make a good amount of money if they'll extend this series. Both teams are capable so this will be very close game but we can trust the refs to do the right thing to make this series more exciting to watch. SMB has taken the lead but it's far from over, 1-0 lead is not safe, but 2-0 is already different, and Ginebra should not allow that to happen.

Also, I don't know Tim Cone or the PBA would allow Ginebra will be swept, that's not gonna happen even in my dreams. Therefore, it's not brainer that we should bet on Ginebra in game 2, and double them in game 3 if they lose.

Ginebra -2.5 @1.84 vs SMB

^^ My bet as the Gin Kings would make some adjustment and high chance that they will win the game and cover the spread. They were just careless in game 1 that cost them the game but i think they will recover and bounce back. For bettors, that odds is so juicy considering that this game is must win situation for Ginebra.

Same bet my friend. This game so far seem to be the same as in game 1. it's now tied at 67 points and they are in the 3rd quarter. I hope Ginebra will be able to have a strong run that SMB won't be able to make it a comeback, we need this -2.5 to win so we will make a profit, a close game will make our bet at risk.

Ginebra needs to even the series, otherwise, they are not going to make it to the Finals, so these remaining minutes is very important, great play and less mistakes, that's the key.

[Maslate]

Same here, PBA will be able to make a good amount of money if they'll extend this series. Both teams are capable so this will be very close game but we can trust the refs to do the right thing to make this series more exciting to watch. SMB has taken the lead but it's far from over, 1-0 lead is not safe, but 2-0 is already different, and Ginebra should not allow that to happen.

Also, I don't know Tim Cone or the PBA would allow Ginebra will be swept, that's not gonna happen even in my dreams. Therefore, it's not brainer that we should bet on Ginebra in game 2, and double them in game 3 if they lose.

Ginebra -2.5 @1.84 vs SMB

^^ My bet as the Gin Kings would make some adjustment and high chance that they will win the game and cover the spread. They were just careless in game 1 that cost them the game but i think they will recover and bounce back. For bettors, that odds is so juicy considering that this game is must win situation for Ginebra.

Same bet my friend. This game so far seem to be the same as in game 1. it's now tied at 67 points and they are in the 3rd quarter. I hope Ginebra will be able to have a strong run that SMB won't be able to make it a comeback, we need this -2.5 to win so we will make a profit, a close game will make our bet at risk.

Ginebra needs to even the series, otherwise, they are not going to make it to the Finals, so these remaining minutes is very important, great play and less mistakes, that's the key.

And they loss. Tough luck for Ginebra as they struggled to stop great offense of SMB, the series is now at 2-0. This team is a never say die team, so it's not over yet since SMB still needs to win one game for Ginebra to get eliminated. Game 3 will be this Sunday, that could be the best time for the Ginebra to win since the crowd for sure will be their to support them.

On the 2nd game, Magnolia beat the Phoenix Fuel masters and have already taken the lead in the series at 2-0. The outcome of the game is still a low scoring game, it's almost identical to the first game outcome as it was 82-78 now and 82-79 in the first game.

[freedomgo]

And they loss. Tough luck for Ginebra as they struggled to stop great offense of SMB, the series is now at 2-0. This team is a never say die team, so it's not over yet since SMB still needs to win one game for Ginebra to get eliminated. Game 3 will be this Sunday, that could be the best time for the Ginebra to win since the crowd for sure will be their to support them.

That makes sense, Sunday is the day where they will likely win and I think we can confirm that on the betting odds now. Currently, Ginebra are being listead as -3.5 favorite, they haven't achieve that kind of spread in the last 2 games, the biggest they have was like -2.5 in game 2, and it doesn't move despite people are betting on Ginebra to even the series, so I have a gut feel that they will win game 3 and make the series interesting.

On the 2nd game, Magnolia beat the Phoenix Fuel masters and have already taken the lead in the series at 2-0. The outcome of the game is still a low scoring game, it's almost identical to the first game outcome as it was 82-78 now and 82-79 in the first game.

I don't see a chance Phoenix will even win one game. however, if we are betting, we have to be careful as they have been covering the handicap on the last 2 games.

[Russlenat]

I don't see a chance Phoenix will even win one game. however, if we are betting, we have to be careful as they have been covering the handicap on the last 2 games.

We never know, they always make it close but collapse in the 4th quarter. Maybe in their do or die game this Sunday, they will get a win and Ginebra as well. Schedule was set well, it looks like they already planned it well because Ginebra is the last game which starts at 6:30 PM, and you know, the Ginebra Fanatics will likely be present to support their team in this situation.

Phoenix and Ginebra wins, series will be extended, but if there's only one team that will win, i'm sure it will be Ginebra.

[mirakal]

I don't see a chance Phoenix will even win one game. however, if we are betting, we have to be careful as they have been covering the handicap on the last 2 games.

We never know, they always make it close but collapse in the 4th quarter. Maybe in their do or die game this Sunday, they will get a win and Ginebra as well. Schedule was set well, it looks like they already planned it well because Ginebra is the last game which starts at 6:30 PM, and you know, the Ginebra Fanatics will likely be present to support their team in this situation.

Phoenix and Ginebra wins, series will be extended, but if there's only one team that will win, i'm sure it will be Ginebra.

It would be shameful if Coach Tim Cone will be swept. It will create a rumors that he was only good because of Brownlee, without their best import they will not be able to return to the Finals again. SMB is really a strong team, even their 2nd unit looks like a starting unit in the other teams, and that is even without Terrence Romeo playing. Import vs Import, looks like SMB has an edge, and getting that confidence he needed in game 2 makes him more confident in game 3 which is a do or die game of Ginebra.

The first game was close but the 2nd game wasn't in the 4th quarter as it ended on a SMB win by double digit.

Actually Ross was still scoreless just like in game 1 but his presence on the floor is huge. Ginebra were able to limit Perez but their import was unstoppable with 38 points.

[Maslate]

I don't see a chance Phoenix will even win one game. however, if we are betting, we have to be careful as they have been covering the handicap on the last 2 games.

We never know, they always make it close but collapse in the 4th quarter. Maybe in their do or die game this Sunday, they will get a win and Ginebra as well. Schedule was set well, it looks like they already planned it well because Ginebra is the last game which starts at 6:30 PM, and you know, the Ginebra Fanatics will likely be present to support their team in this situation.

Phoenix and Ginebra wins, series will be extended, but if there's only one team that will win, i'm sure it will be Ginebra.

It would be shameful if Coach Tim Cone will be swept. It will create a rumors that he was only good because of Brownlee, without their best import they will not be able to return to the Finals again. SMB is really a strong team, even their 2nd unit looks like a starting unit in the other teams, and that is even without Terrence Romeo playing. Import vs Import, looks like SMB has an edge, and getting that confidence he needed in game 2 makes him more confident in game 3 which is a do or die game of Ginebra.

The first game was close but the 2nd game wasn't in the 4th quarter as it ended on a SMB win by double digit.

That's on the import. he doesn't have a good outside shooting unlike Brownlee. And compared to the locals of SMB, you can see how good their locals are especially JMF who are very healthy now and is on his MVP level. Ginebra have two big men but only C. Stand plays at a high level, Japeth is not playing his usual game and it looks like he already past his prime. How can they stop the SMB's offense and defense when this season they signed two good defensive and offensive player which is Jeron Teng and Don Trollana, their line up is stuck with talent.

Actually Ross was still scoreless just like in game 1 but his presence on the floor is huge. Ginebra were able to limit Perez but their import was unstoppable with 38 points.

That's his value to the team, he can play defense without scoring, and due to his experience, everything looks easy for him. Anyone can criticize him that he doesn't score , but take him out in the equation and we will see SMB will struggle.

[Distinctin]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

Next game will be SMB vs Ginebra, do or die for Ginebra.. Can their motto never say die could save them?

[Fredomago]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

That kind of rally is what they need to continue extending their chance though I can't deny that I'm bias in terms of siding myself with Magnolia and I think they still have the huge edge even they lose the game today, maybe not the night for them as they allow the Fuelmaster to dominate them both in offense and defense.

It will change the tempo especially if Fuelmaster will manage to duplicate the same system to win another game and push this series to a do-or-die game.

Next game will be SMB vs Ginebra, do or die for Ginebra.. Can their motto never say die could save them?

They need to win, and for my own analysis, PBA needs to push that win to keep the fans hahaha.. but, we never know what will be the outcome and how coach Tim will find way to extend this series, SMB's playing at their best so coach Tim need to find that missing link to re-organize his troops, they need this game badly to avoid getting swept in this semi-final match.