2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[Fredomago]

In terms of Yap, it was his hope to play one more time wearing the same uniform where he create his legacy, hoping that magnolia will sign him for another contract and let him entertain the fans again, not sure if that's already finalized and if there's already a negotiation regarding to that, but it was his hope and he's really aiming for that opportunity,  the reason why he requested the release with rain or shine after his contract ends.

Let's see and wait if that will going to happen, but for now, let's wait for the finals and see who's going to win the title.

The rumor was there and it's likely that he will be taken by them but we'll have to wait for the final and official announcement. So while there's no official news about it, it will remain as a rumor. He's been seen on Japan and so people have thought that he'd sign on B League but we don't know yet.

No news yet and, based on those social media posts, Bossing is also interested in signing him up with a very juicy offer, maybe for branding advertisement, knowing how big James name in this industry, but skills wise aside from his shooting capabilities, his condition is no longer the same since he left Magnolia., I personally think that he's just aiming for one more game as Magnolia rumors again rise regard to the influence of his former wife.

But hopefully, there's consideration that will be given even if it's only for formality. Just give him that blessing to retire his jersey as one of those top elite players who played for the franchise. I guess after "The Captain" James deserves the next spot.

He better go to the weak team in the PBA so he could gain a lot of minutes. Going back to Magnolia, his numbers might still not significant, and to think that James Yap was traded with Paul Lee, they'll be in the same team. Actually, that trade ruined the Rain or Shine, because when Paul was still with the Rain or Shine, they were playing great and IIRC, they even won a championship before.

Though even he sign with the weak team and earn decent minutes there's nothing that can be change in terms of carrying a team, he's no longer the same "BigGame James" he's no longer at his prime and even the coach will give him that decent time maybe he can produce numbers but still not going to change the outcome of the game.

Let's face it, he just wanted to play for the last time before he retires his jersey, just wanted to comeback home where he's really been known and love by the fans.

But then again, It's the big boss call before things will take place, without Ramon Ang's blessing there's nothing that he can do either to sign to another team or to retire if Magnolia will not give him that chance to play back.

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[Russlenat]

And there's the line movement, it's now -2.5, perhaps will move again to -3.5 as the game is nearing. SMB here are more ready, they are well rested while Magnolia only has a few days rest then they'll face the SMB in game 1. Trap or not, I think these two teams are sister team, they can create a script on their own to make this series interesting, so always go with the underdog but not this early.

Mate, that's always the case with these sister teams facing the grand finals. That issue can't be gone with us, fans, talking about it having the script and prolonging the series up to game 7. Like give and take to each other and all of them are winners including the venue and the PBA management per se.

What's important is that this kind of speculation will not destroy the entertainment of this series. Because if we believe the reason why one team losses because they have to follow the script, then we can always make our own judgement and sometimes excuses that we don't accept if what we are backing with losses.

I hope there's a series betting online. Unfortunately I could not find anything like that on the bookies I'm using, they are more on per game better but with good markets.

I've checked bets.io and yes, as you've said it's also a per game basis.

And as AFAIR, the max point spread that the line has move was -4.5, but it came back to -3.5 for SMB.

No news yet and, based on those social media posts, Bossing is also interested in signing him up with a very juicy offer, maybe for branding advertisement, knowing how big James name in this industry, but skills wise aside from his shooting capabilities, his condition is no longer the same since he left Magnolia., I personally think that he's just aiming for one more game as Magnolia rumors again rise regard to the influence of his former wife.

But hopefully, there's consideration that will be given even if it's only for formality. Just give him that blessing to retire his jersey as one of those top elite players who played for the franchise. I guess after "The Captain" James deserves the next spot.

I just realized that he's a councilor or public servant in San Juan and that's why it is not possible for him to get signed in B League because it's overseas and might disqualify him for his public post. I think that by next week or two, we'll see some news about him signing up.

B League, Seriously? at his age? I think that rumors has no basis.

[Viscore]

Looks like SMB is gonna take a 1-0 lead after this game. It was a dominant performance what SMB have showed so far, with less than 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter, they are already enjoying a comfortable 18 points lead. Everyone was contributing while Magnolia struggle to find their offense. SMB's were able to take this big lead due to their efficient 3 point shooting, the same thing what Phoenix did to the Magnolia when they win or came back from a huge deficit. This time, sure Magnolia is not going to come back anymore, SMB are just too much tonight, everything was going on their way.

[blockman]

Mate, that's always the case with these sister teams facing the grand finals. That issue can't be gone with us, fans, talking about it having the script and prolonging the series up to game 7. Like give and take to each other and all of them are winners including the venue and the PBA management per se.

What's important is that this kind of speculation will not destroy the entertainment of this series. Because if we believe the reason why one team losses because they have to follow the script, then we can always make our own judgement and sometimes excuses that we don't accept if what we are backing with losses.

Yeah, it is within our judgement to check whether these games have been scripted or not. When it is obvious, that just gives us disappointment and then we still watch eventually. And as for the first game, SMB takes the first blood for winning game 1.

I've checked bets.io and yes, as you've said it's also a per game basis.

And as AFAIR, the max point spread that the line has move was -4.5, but it came back to -3.5 for SMB.

Not worth it if someone bet within that line. Let's see the next game on Sunday.

B League, Seriously? at his age? I think that rumors has no basis.

It is a rumor so whether it has a basis or none, I think that it's still worth his shot. B League is where most of the PBA bound players are going because of a higher salary and better treatment. But then, he's a public servant and just can't leave the country for that.

[Fredomago]

Looks like SMB is gonna take a 1-0 lead after this game. It was a dominant performance what SMB have showed so far, with less than 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter, they are already enjoying a comfortable 18 points lead. Everyone was contributing while Magnolia struggle to find their offense. SMB's were able to take this big lead due to their efficient 3 point shooting, the same thing what Phoenix did to the Magnolia when they win or came back from a huge deficit. This time, sure Magnolia is not going to come back anymore, SMB are just too much tonight, everything was going on their way.

It's complete dominance by SMB. They won the game and took game 1 from Magnolia and same from what you observe, that lead mostly comes from the rainbow arc. They managed to make those shots and magnolia don't have enough to counter that good shooting night by SMB. Though they did try to make a comeback, but the lead is by far and SMB did well in protecting it.

They manage to limit JMF production inside, but they are unable to adjust to the outside attacks of SMB. That's the good thing with SMB, once they start to find the rhythm, they will keep on pushing for it, and we see the outcome as they win the first game.

Looking forward to see what kind of adjustments Magnolia will make to create a good counter for both inside and outside attacks of SMB.

[bisdak40]

They manage to limit JMF production inside, but they are unable to adjust to the outside attacks of SMB. That's the good thing with SMB, once they start to find the rhythm, they will keep on pushing for it, and we see the outcome as they win the first game.

Looking forward to see what kind of adjustments Magnolia will make to create a good counter for both inside and outside attacks of SMB.

Junemar Fajardo managed to chip in 11 points and 11 boards on that game, his usual average of a double-double. That's why the Beermen got a lot of open looks at the basket because Magnolia was trying to double down on Fajardo. Magnolia has to pick their poison, to guard JMF without double or letting the shooters do their thing, that's the adjustment that I think Magnolia has to do in game 2.

No one on the Magnolia can guard Fajardo, not even Laput so it could be a feast for JMF down low if no double is coming.

[Maslate]

They manage to limit JMF production inside, but they are unable to adjust to the outside attacks of SMB. That's the good thing with SMB, once they start to find the rhythm, they will keep on pushing for it, and we see the outcome as they win the first game.

Looking forward to see what kind of adjustments Magnolia will make to create a good counter for both inside and outside attacks of SMB.

Junemar Fajardo managed to chip in 11 points and 11 boards on that game, his usual average of a double-double. That's why the Beermen got a lot of open looks at the basket because Magnolia was trying to double down on Fajardo. Magnolia has to pick their poison, to guard JMF without double or letting the shooters do their thing, that's the adjustment that I think Magnolia has to do in game 2.

No one on the Magnolia can guard Fajardo, not even Laput so it could be a feast for JMF down low if no double is coming.

That's the problem with Magnolia because although they are quick but SMB are now very confident with their outside shooting, and it hasn't change from the semi Finals to the finals game 1. Magnolia had a late run when they took their import, but it was short though, good thing SMB were able to cover the spread, I would have thought they intentionally made it happen.

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

[mirakal]

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

It's easy to make an arbitrage betting on this if your expection will be realize. I could get 1.98 odds betting on SMB moneyline at my other bookie, so if in case the line will move again just like in game 1, Magnolia might become the underdog, and if you can get 2.20 odds, that's easy money if it hits since i have 1.98 on the other side. But I won't be doing that on the same bookie, you know, I don't know the admin to look into my account and flag me with violating the TOS, do it somewhere else and be safe.

What I cited is just one of the possibilities, actually the easiest way beacuse it could also be done during live, but there's no guarantee unlike this current odds we could analyze.

[Distinctin]

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

It's easy to make an arbitrage betting on this if your expection will be realize. I could get 1.98 odds betting on SMB moneyline at my other bookie, so if in case the line will move again just like in game 1, Magnolia might become the underdog, and if you can get 2.20 odds, that's easy money if it hits since i have 1.98 on the other side. But I won't be doing that on the same bookie, you know, I don't know the admin to look into my account and flag me with violating the TOS, do it somewhere else and be safe.

What I cited is just one of the possibilities, actually the easiest way beacuse it could also be done during live, but there's no guarantee unlike this current odds we could analyze.

I will consider this as a tip Coming from an experience gambler, this is a good insight especially on the newbies. The line movement in the PBA is really crazy, and since we know what team will the public pound, we can easily predict the line movement. However, in game 2 which is a must win for the Magnolia to even the series, we can observe the line movement, if it's not moving like in game 1, then there's a possibility that the series will be even after game 2.

Also, last time I believe it was a high scoring game, although it didn't hit 200 points but I believe the total was below 200. And who would expect that Magnolia will have a good run in the 4th when their coach had already given up early by taking their import out, it's just very unpredictable.

[mirakal]

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

It's easy to make an arbitrage betting on this if your expection will be realize. I could get 1.98 odds betting on SMB moneyline at my other bookie, so if in case the line will move again just like in game 1, Magnolia might become the underdog, and if you can get 2.20 odds, that's easy money if it hits since i have 1.98 on the other side. But I won't be doing that on the same bookie, you know, I don't know the admin to look into my account and flag me with violating the TOS, do it somewhere else and be safe.

What I cited is just one of the possibilities, actually the easiest way beacuse it could also be done during live, but there's no guarantee unlike this current odds we could analyze.

I will consider this as a tip Coming from an experience gambler, this is a good insight especially on the newbies. The line movement in the PBA is really crazy, and since we know what team will the public pound, we can easily predict the line movement. However, in game 2 which is a must win for the Magnolia to even the series, we can observe the line movement, if it's not moving like in game 1, then there's a possibility that the series will be even after game 2.

Also, last time I believe it was a high scoring game, although it didn't hit 200 points but I believe the total was below 200. And who would expect that Magnolia will have a good run in the 4th when their coach had already given up early by taking their import out, it's just very unpredictable.

As as I was saying, the line is moving slowly which SMB now a light favorite with -1.5 spread. This exactly the same opening line in game 1 and eventually it increases as the game is nearing. That could happen again this time around, so taking that early spread might help us find a good value if this game will end up fairly.

They say it's a business, if that's the case we can expect that this series will be a long one, and since both teams are owned by the same company, they could make an arrangement inside even not including the league for this. However, as a smart bettor, we don't fall for that, we look for the line movement and take benefit on it, it's about the right timing.

[Sanitough]

We got some very good news to all our "Kabayan" here.

Just released today about Justin Brownlee, our Hero last Asian Cup.

Justin Brownlee cleared for Gilas Pilipinas duty: How we got here and what comes next

Good news greeted Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday morning after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that naturalized player Justin Brownlee had been cleared to participate in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers scheduled for Feb. 22 and 25.

According to a press release, "FIBA issued Brownlee a Notice of Charge carrying a proposed three (3) month Period of Ineligibility in relation to the anti-doping rule violation that occurred during the 19th Asian Games."

The release further states, "(Brownlee) opted to serve a provisional suspension period which commenced on 9 November 2023."

SBP's top brass also issued a statement.

"We're elated that the consequences FIBA issued does not prevent Justin Brownlee to play for Gilas in the upcoming window," said SBP President Al Panlilio. "Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with before will be beneficial to the squad."

Not only good news for Gilas but for the Ginebra Gin Kings as well. They failed this conference, so once JB comes back, it will be a different Ginebra, and they will be in the Finals again.

[Hypnosis00]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful news, The Philippines are happy for this news. 3 months is not that long, I thought it will take a year, so it's all good now, at least Brownlee were able to take a rest because once he is back to his old job, he'll be very busy representing our country and keeping the high standard of Ginebra. I believe if Brownlee was not suspended, Ginebra will not have an early exit, it could be a great series down the wire, we might even witness a game 5. I know the import of SMB is also good, similar to JB, he had some great outside shooting as well but JB is a proven one, he had his chemistry with the Ginebra well built, so that's the advantage for him as an import.

[Shamm]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful news, The Philippines are happy for this news. 3 months is not that long, I thought it will take a year, so it's all good now, at least Brownlee were able to take a rest because once he is back to his old job, he'll be very busy representing our country and keeping the high standard of Ginebra. I believe if Brownlee was not suspended, Ginebra will not have an early exit, it could be a great series down the wire, we might even witness a game 5. I know the import of SMB is also good, similar to JB, he had some great outside shooting as well but JB is a proven one, he had his chemistry with the Ginebra well built, so that's the advantage for him as an import.

That is a good news to everyone of us that Justin brownlee will back an represent our country which pretty good enough cause he is very useful in the court by the help of his teammates they can carry our country Into a victory, and like what you said above mate I agree if brownlee is in the barangay ginebra this season then one thing for sure they will be in the finals and not an early exit. But anyways it's nice to see once more again magnolia vs San Miguel in this final season which is pretty good game for sure.

[Fredomago]

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

It's easy to make an arbitrage betting on this if your expection will be realize. I could get 1.98 odds betting on SMB moneyline at my other bookie, so if in case the line will move again just like in game 1, Magnolia might become the underdog, and if you can get 2.20 odds, that's easy money if it hits since i have 1.98 on the other side. But I won't be doing that on the same bookie, you know, I don't know the admin to look into my account and flag me with violating the TOS, do it somewhere else and be safe.

What I cited is just one of the possibilities, actually the easiest way beacuse it could also be done during live, but there's no guarantee unlike this current odds we could analyze.

I will consider this as a tip Coming from an experience gambler, this is a good insight especially on the newbies. The line movement in the PBA is really crazy, and since we know what team will the public pound, we can easily predict the line movement. However, in game 2 which is a must win for the Magnolia to even the series, we can observe the line movement, if it's not moving like in game 1, then there's a possibility that the series will be even after game 2.

Also, last time I believe it was a high scoring game, although it didn't hit 200 points but I believe the total was below 200. And who would expect that Magnolia will have a good run in the 4th when their coach had already given up early by taking their import out, it's just very unpredictable.

As as I was saying, the line is moving slowly which SMB now a light favorite with -1.5 spread. This exactly the same opening line in game 1 and eventually it increases as the game is nearing. That could happen again this time around, so taking that early spread might help us find a good value if this game will end up fairly.

They say it's a business, if that's the case we can expect that this series will be a long one, and since both teams are owned by the same company, they could make an arrangement inside even not including the league for this. However, as a smart bettor, we don't fall for that, we look for the line movement and take benefit on it, it's about the right timing.

It's going to be an additional risk for bettors, same with your opinion,  both teams are under same management and if they'll talk about extending the series it's all in their hands, though as a fan, I think SMB can still dominate and the line is favorable if the game will be played fairly,  we all witnessed how SMB executes their plays everyone who got the chance to play is really doing everything to contribute,  Magnolia is really having a hard time to locate who's going to take the charge from SMB.

[bisdak40]

We got some very good news to all our "Kabayan" here.

Just released today about Justin Brownlee, our Hero last Asian Cup.
~snip~

Not only good news for Gilas but for the Ginebra Gin Kings as well. They failed this conference, so once JB comes back, it will be a different Ginebra, and they will be in the Finals again.

Good news indeed not only for the Ginebra fans but as well as to all the Filipino basketball fans and maybe when he comes back to the Philippines next week, he will be honored for what he has done during the Asian games at one of the games in the Final, he truly deserves it, nothing to be ashamed of that substance issue.

Meanwhile, the ML odds has shifted in favor of the Beeemen, they are now the slight favorite to win this game but as what others are saying, be vigilant as this is the Finals and something fishy might happen hehe but for me, i'll stick to my team.

SMB Beermen -1.5@1.80 vs Magnolia Hotshots

[Botnake]

We got some very good news to all our "Kabayan" here.

Just released today about Justin Brownlee, our Hero last Asian Cup.
~snip~

Not only good news for Gilas but for the Ginebra Gin Kings as well. They failed this conference, so once JB comes back, it will be a different Ginebra, and they will be in the Finals again.

Good news indeed not only for the Ginebra fans but as well as to all the Filipino basketball fans and maybe when he comes back to the Philippines next week, he will be honored for what he has done during the Asian games at one of the games in the Final, he truly deserves it, nothing to be ashamed of that substance issue.

The violation wasn't a big issue as he was able to come back in just a short time. Brownlee will remain to be one of the best import if not the best, but I guess for me I'll consider him the best as he brought gold for the Philippines after many years of not getting it. Good timing because when he comes back, he'll be practicing for the team for the FIBA Asia I guess.

Meanwhile, the ML odds has shifted in favor of the Beeemen, they are now the slight favorite to win this game but as what others are saying, be vigilant as this is the Finals and something fishy might happen hehe but for me, i'll stick to my team.

SMB Beermen -1.5@1.80 vs Magnolia Hotshots

You got it, SMB is the better team here, and they can give this Magnolia a 2-0 hole. There's a slight movement only, last time I checked, SMB was -3, good thing you got it early.

[Distinctin]

Next game will be tomorrow, if you will bet on SMB now, you'll get 1.86 moneyline and as usual, this might move again as the game is approaching. I don't know why the line is set up like this when it was very clear how capable SMB in game 1, so we better be cautious with our selection, picking the better team is not enough to win.

It's easy to make an arbitrage betting on this if your expection will be realize. I could get 1.98 odds betting on SMB moneyline at my other bookie, so if in case the line will move again just like in game 1, Magnolia might become the underdog, and if you can get 2.20 odds, that's easy money if it hits since i have 1.98 on the other side. But I won't be doing that on the same bookie, you know, I don't know the admin to look into my account and flag me with violating the TOS, do it somewhere else and be safe.

What I cited is just one of the possibilities, actually the easiest way beacuse it could also be done during live, but there's no guarantee unlike this current odds we could analyze.

I will consider this as a tip Coming from an experience gambler, this is a good insight especially on the newbies. The line movement in the PBA is really crazy, and since we know what team will the public pound, we can easily predict the line movement. However, in game 2 which is a must win for the Magnolia to even the series, we can observe the line movement, if it's not moving like in game 1, then there's a possibility that the series will be even after game 2.

Also, last time I believe it was a high scoring game, although it didn't hit 200 points but I believe the total was below 200. And who would expect that Magnolia will have a good run in the 4th when their coach had already given up early by taking their import out, it's just very unpredictable.

As as I was saying, the line is moving slowly which SMB now a light favorite with -1.5 spread. This exactly the same opening line in game 1 and eventually it increases as the game is nearing. That could happen again this time around, so taking that early spread might help us find a good value if this game will end up fairly.

They say it's a business, if that's the case we can expect that this series will be a long one, and since both teams are owned by the same company, they could make an arrangement inside even not including the league for this. However, as a smart bettor, we don't fall for that, we look for the line movement and take benefit on it, it's about the right timing.

It's going to be an additional risk for bettors, same with your opinion,  both teams are under same management and if they'll talk about extending the series it's all in their hands, though as a fan, I think SMB can still dominate and the line is favorable if the game will be played fairly,  we all witnessed how SMB executes their plays everyone who got the chance to play is really doing everything to contribute,  Magnolia is really having a hard time to locate who's going to take the charge from SMB.

If I would follow my emotion, I would say it's SMB. But they say that gambling needs a clear mind and leave that emotion behind. I look at different sportsbook and they seemed to have a different spread on this particular game.

As per sportsbet, SMB is -1.5, but for Duelbets it's -3. So since I'm backing the Magnolia Hotspots here which is the underdog in the series, I'll choose the sportsbook with a better handicap for Magnolia, and that is duelbets. I'm also thinking of betting on the moneyline during live, if SMB will start strong and Mangolia will have x3, that's an automatic grab for me.

[freedomgo]

As per sportsbet, SMB is -1.5, but for Duelbets it's -3. So since I'm backing the Magnolia Hotspots here which is the underdog in the series, I'll choose the sportsbook with a better handicap for Magnolia, and that is duelbets. I'm also thinking of betting on the moneyline during live, if SMB will start strong and Mangolia will have x3, that's an automatic grab for me.

I hope you didn't push that through as it was a one sided beat down again. It was just like a replay of what happen in game 1 but Magnolia were not able to have their run in the 4th quarter. I smell a sweep in this series, as long as Magnolia could not defend the outside shooting of SMB, they have no chance of winning as they can't hit at outside shot, they are too unselfish that sometimes would result to turnover since no one would want to take a shot.

The game has just ended, SMB dominate with a 24 points victory, Final score 85-109.

Good luck in game 3. Stay with SMB!

[blockman]

The game was intense but it's already one-sided from the very beginning. The lead was just too much and it's going to be seen if this is really a scripted league as what people say. I want it to see that SMB will win game three because many are anticipating that it should be Magnolia to win the game 3 as they've said that this is what happens comes next when all of these grand finals come. It's a sister company as we all know but I think that it's not scripted. I just want to see prolonged matches because of the drama that has happened on this particular game. 

[Fredomago]

The game was intense but it's already one-sided from the very beginning. The lead was just too much and it's going to be seen if this is really a scripted league as what people say. I want it to see that SMB will win game three because many are anticipating that it should be Magnolia to win the game 3 as they've said that this is what happens comes next when all of these grand finals come. It's a sister company as we all know but I think that it's not scripted. I just want to see prolonged matches because of the drama that has happened on this particular game. 

We've seen some outside the court actions, as Abueva seems to have issue with Tau's wife I hope Calvin will control his emotions to avoid any issue again, it's a sistem company but the way they are playing both are hunger to win the finals and take that trophy,  but only one will take it and with how we are seeing the series its more likely that SMB extend their edge after winning game 2, though we can't remove that where bettors may think that there might be a manipulation that may happen to make sure that it won't be a complete swept for the Beermen.