2025 PBA Governor's Cup

[Fredomago]

If there’s one team that’s clearly desperate tonight, it’s Meralco. Just looking at the lines, bookies seem to expect them to come out swinging. TNT is only at -1.5, which already says a lot. If I’m backing Meralco here, I’d rather take them on the moneyline. This is the first game at 5:15 PM, don’t miss it.

I get the possibility now, but I’d rather just stay away from this game. I already have a series bet on TNT to win, so I’m fine if Meralco loses.

If Meralco wins though, that’s okay too, a longer series isn’t bad. In the end, I still like TNT to take it, and maybe even back them to win the finals. If I were to place a bet on this game at all, I’d probably look at the under, especially TNT’s team total.

As expected Meralco wins the game, though unlike with the drama between Gin kings and SMB where we've seen JMF really taking care of the game, with TNT it's so obvious that they don't want to win, having lots of errors and with how Oftana play the game, it's really obvious that this game is for Meralco hahaha.. Oftana as one of the core key players of coach chot but today's performances those who watch the game knew that they are not aiming to win they are just show up to play the game.. Hahahaha.

[Maslate]

As expected Meralco wins the game,...

They followed the script pretty well. At least Meralco got one win, but I doubt they take the next game.

I see it going TNT in the next one, then Meralco, then TNT again, ending the series at 4–2 for TNT.

With these sister teams playing, it’s hard to expect everything to be straight. They’d obviously want to stretch the series since more games mean more ticket sales and more betting action. If they have a share there, then it makes even more sense for them.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

Pananalig sa SMB betting for -4.5 SMB vs GINKINGS @ 2.04

I’d do the same bet too, because SMB already has the momentum. It’s also a Friday game, so there probably won’t be that many Ginebra fans watching. 

But if this was on a Sunday, which I think is the schedule for Game 4, then I’d lean the other way and say Ginebra takes it. Feels like the script is SMB grabbing the series lead tonight, then Ginebra evening it up on Sunday. This matchup looks like it’s headed for a Game 7.

The other semifinal though, that one’s pretty boring in comparison. 

San Miguel manage to get that 4.5 but I was hey If GINKINGS shoot that ball at the last possesion below 15 sec.
its a complete L for me .. Lets run the play with 6 points.  GSM will definitely shoot for 3 or 4 then lets go 3...
SMB +3 then with 4.5 on the odds then a quick foul for ginkings if no foul then its gone.

3 points form SMB 1 shot will go then 4 points lead but 100% sure the last throw will definitely miss shot. 4.5 is not good.
Luckily  GINKINGS missed the shot.

See you at the g4.

[Fredomago]

As expected Meralco wins the game,...

They followed the script pretty well. At least Meralco got one win, but I doubt they take the next game.

I see it going TNT in the next one, then Meralco, then TNT again, ending the series at 4–2 for TNT.

With these sister teams playing, it’s hard to expect everything to be straight. They’d obviously want to stretch the series since more games mean more ticket sales and more betting action. If they have a share there, then it makes even more sense for them.

Yeah right, but hopefully they'll show something that's not being obviously manipulated hahah.. but what do we expect from the teams that being controlled by the same owner, that's why there are only few fans and viewers that have interest watching the game, it's been expected that they'll not going to go all in and they need to follow scripts that being provided to them, that's both for players and coaches.

[mirakal]

If there’s one team that’s clearly desperate tonight, it’s Meralco. Just looking at the lines, bookies seem to expect them to come out swinging. TNT is only at -1.5, which already says a lot. If I’m backing Meralco here, I’d rather take them on the moneyline. This is the first game at 5:15 PM, don’t miss it.

I get the possibility now, but I’d rather just stay away from this game. I already have a series bet on TNT to win, so I’m fine if Meralco loses.

If Meralco wins though, that’s okay too, a longer series isn’t bad. In the end, I still like TNT to take it, and maybe even back them to win the finals. If I were to place a bet on this game at all, I’d probably look at the under, especially TNT’s team total.

As expected Meralco wins the game, though unlike with the drama between Gin kings and SMB where we've seen JMF really taking care of the game, with TNT it's so obvious that they don't want to win, having lots of errors and with how Oftana play the game, it's really obvious that this game is for Meralco hahaha.. Oftana as one of the core key players of coach chot but today's performances those who watch the game knew that they are not aiming to win they are just show up to play the game.. Hahahaha.

Let’s make it 2–2, just to keep the series interesting. I have a small bet on the series anyway, so it’s fine even if I lose. I’m really just here to be entertained, I wouldn’t mind seeing this go to Game 7 at all.

Last night though, I had a bet on SMB over 97.5. I thought it was going to hit, but that fourth quarter killed it. Way too defensive. SMB only scored 17 points there. I was happy they won and covered the spread, but that low scoring in the last quarter still cost me the bet.

[Questat]

Last night though, I had a bet on SMB over 97.5. I thought it was going to hit, but that fourth quarter killed it. Way too defensive. SMB only scored 17 points there. I was happy they won and covered the spread, but that low scoring in the last quarter still cost me the bet.

I don’t think it’s safe to bet the over with these teams. They’re playing really physical. Ginebra has always been that kind of team, and SMB is just matching their style now.

Especially if Ginebra takes Game 4, the longer this series goes, the more physical it gets. That’s why I lean more toward the under. Picking a winner is already hard enough, whether they cover or not, but the under feels like the safer angle here.

[mirakal]

Last night though, I had a bet on SMB over 97.5. I thought it was going to hit, but that fourth quarter killed it. Way too defensive. SMB only scored 17 points there. I was happy they won and covered the spread, but that low scoring in the last quarter still cost me the bet.

I don’t think it’s safe to bet the over with these teams. They’re playing really physical. Ginebra has always been that kind of team, and SMB is just matching their style now.

You’re right, I learned my lesson from the last game. I’m not going to do that again, even if the bookie’s line looks very tempting. SMB’s three-point shots just aren’t falling. Not sure what’s going on, but it could be Ginebra’s defense. They’re smaller, quicker, and rotating really fast, which is probably throwing SMB off.

Especially if Ginebra takes Game 4,...

They’ll probably win tomorrow. They’re scheduled for the first game and the line is SMB -1.5.
Total is at 189.5.

[Fredomago]

Last night though, I had a bet on SMB over 97.5. I thought it was going to hit, but that fourth quarter killed it. Way too defensive. SMB only scored 17 points there. I was happy they won and covered the spread, but that low scoring in the last quarter still cost me the bet.

I don’t think it’s safe to bet the over with these teams. They’re playing really physical. Ginebra has always been that kind of team, and SMB is just matching their style now.

You’re right, I learned my lesson from the last game. I’m not going to do that again, even if the bookie’s line looks very tempting. SMB’s three-point shots just aren’t falling. Not sure what’s going on, but it could be Ginebra’s defense. They’re smaller, quicker, and rotating really fast, which is probably throwing SMB off.

Especially if Ginebra takes Game 4,...

They’ll probably win tomorrow. They’re scheduled for the first game and the line is SMB -1.5.
Total is at 189.5.

If they read the script properly I guess the series will push to game 7 hahaha, though kidding aside if coach Tim wants to keep their chance alive game 4 is really crucial to them, knowing that SMB is also composed of a powerhouse selection, once they've got that edge and momentum it will be too difficult for Gin kings to comeback from 3-1 deficit, Gin kings need to win this upcoming game 4 for them to extend their chance.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

SMB with a plus tonight,Looks like the sports banker is siding with the GINKINGS today. A good odds for the SMB fans.
I will double the budget for tonight but might a trap

While TNT and Meralco @2.47 odds. I will pass again on this game.

[Japinat]

SMB with a plus tonight,Looks like the sports banker is siding with the GINKINGS today. A good odds for the SMB fans.
I will double the budget for tonight but might a trap

Rare to see them as the plus side. Maybe they’re kind of due to even the series tonight.
If I remember right, they won the first game and that was also on a Sunday, so bettors might be expecting Ginebra to even it up tonight, maybe with a little help from the refs.

Game is ongoing now and SMB is up by 6, yet the line was only -1.5, that’s interesting.

While TNT and Meralco @2.47 odds. I will pass again on this game.

TNT will take the lead tonight.

[bisdak40]

SMB with a plus tonight,Looks like the sports banker is siding with the GINKINGS today. A good odds for the SMB fans.
I will double the budget for tonight but might a trap

While TNT and Meralco @2.47 odds. I will pass again on this game.

Because of my busy schedule, I wasn’t able to place a bet before the game started, but I managed to get in once it began. I took SMB +2.5 at 1.87 when they were already up by 4 points in the first quarter. I don’t see this as a trap since the Gin Kings look very beatable. In fact, I believe they might only manage one win in this series—provided SMB stays focused, avoids complacency, and doesn’t let their guard down.

Good luck to us.

[Finestream]

Good luck to us.

Turns out it was a trap. Ginebra ended up evening the series with a double-digit win.

With how this is going, it really looks like we’re heading to a Game 7, so i guess, see you there.

Game 5 is gonna be hard to pick. At this point I’m leaning more on how the odds are being presented, sometimes the line itself gives a clue who they expect to win.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

This league really is so strange. For what reason does the team that is behind in the series always the favorite to win? I any other league the better team gets the better odds, but not in the PBA. U much acknowledge this is always very strange. Also the way the beermen played in the last quarter looks very off. Missing several easy baskets right under the hoop, missing free throws, many turnovers that lead to transition points, giving up many offensive rebounds. And all of that in the final quarter. All this paired with the mentioned strange odds every times is kind of a red flag for me. And no, I didn't make any bet, but I watch and play basketball for over 35 years.

[mirakal]

This league really is so strange. For what reason does the team that is behind in the series always the favorite to win?

The odds provider isn’t really focused on which team is better anymore. They’re watching where the money is going. After that win in game 3, most people will naturally bet SMB because they’re coming off two straight wins. So the book sets a line that looks tempting, almost like a trap, and they take the public money.

Honestly, it feels like there’s syndicate action behind it sometimes. That’s what makes the PBA look shady to a lot of bettors. It’s a small league, and stuff like this is probably why it never becomes truly popular even after all these years.

[tech30338]

This league really is so strange. For what reason does the team that is behind in the series always the favorite to win?

The odds provider isn’t really focused on which team is better anymore. They’re watching where the money is going. After that win in game 3, most people will naturally bet SMB because they’re coming off two straight wins. So the book sets a line that looks tempting, almost like a trap, and they take the public money.

Honestly, it feels like there’s syndicate action behind it sometimes. That’s what makes the PBA look shady to a lot of bettors. It’s a small league, and stuff like this is probably why it never becomes truly popular even after all these years.

This always happens when it comes to GINS and SMB , i will not be surprise if the gins move to the finals since SMB made it last year lolz, they also sometimes let other teams move in the standings because they want to position in a different bracket so that it might gather lots of fans in the finals, this has been happening for a long time, and I'm not surprise, the last time a top 1 team who only loss once in the entire cup lose to a top 8 team and guest who is the team?
I'm not bitter but i also find it strange the import so dominant unable to get a basket in the series hehe

[Fredomago]

This league really is so strange. For what reason does the team that is behind in the series always the favorite to win?

The odds provider isn’t really focused on which team is better anymore. They’re watching where the money is going. After that win in game 3, most people will naturally bet SMB because they’re coming off two straight wins. So the book sets a line that looks tempting, almost like a trap, and they take the public money.

Honestly, it feels like there’s syndicate action behind it sometimes. That’s what makes the PBA look shady to a lot of bettors. It’s a small league, and stuff like this is probably why it never becomes truly popular even after all these years.

Though there's no physical evidence that may directly exposed that syndicate but if you are familiar with the teams and players who are playing you'll easily sort things up, whether they are really playing with their competitive capablities or they are just playing to show the fans that they are present during the game, it's been a long time when PBA still a game of pride, now, it's just already controlled by big name owners and being dominated by both SMC and MVP ownerships.

[mirakal]

The odds provider isn’t really focused on which team is better anymore. They’re watching where the money is going. After that win in game 3, most people will naturally bet SMB because they’re coming off two straight wins. So the book sets a line that looks tempting, almost like a trap, and they take the public money.

Honestly, it feels like there’s syndicate action behind it sometimes. That’s what makes the PBA look shady to a lot of bettors. It’s a small league, and stuff like this is probably why it never becomes truly popular even after all these years.

Though there's no physical evidence that may directly exposed that syndicate but if you are familiar with the teams and players who are playing you'll easily sort things up, whether they are really playing with their competitive capablities or they are just playing to show the fans that they are present during the game, it's been a long time when PBA still a game of pride, now, it's just already controlled by big name owners and being dominated by both SMC and MVP ownerships.

Those are sister teams, and that rig rumor has been around for years, until now. So the more people will suspect the games are scripted. If you watch the YouTube live stream, you can even see it in the comments, that’s exactly what people keep saying.

Anyway, the series is tied now, so it’s basically a best-of-3. More games means more chances to bet. On the other series though, it looks like TNT is about to take it since they’re already up 3–1. Also, Newsome didn’t play, probably injured, and that clearly matters.

[bisdak40]

Though there's no physical evidence that may directly exposed that syndicate but if you are familiar with the teams and players who are playing you'll easily sort things up, whether they are really playing with their competitive capablities or they are just playing to show the fans that they are present during the game, it's been a long time when PBA still a game of pride, now, it's just already controlled by big name owners and being dominated by both SMC and MVP ownerships.

I don’t really believe in the idea of rigged games, even in the PBA. Last night’s matchup was simply an ordinary game that turned extraordinary because of Scottie Thompson’s stellar performance. He delivered a career-high 35 points, along with 11 rebounds and 11 assists, leading the Gin Kings to victory and tying the series at 2-2. On the other hand, Junemar Fajardo struggled to score, missing even point-blank attempts, which heavily contributed to the Beermen’s loss. For me, that wasn’t unusual—it was just an off night for San Miguel. Now, all eyes are on Game 5, which promises to be an exciting battle.

[Fredomago]

The odds provider isn’t really focused on which team is better anymore. They’re watching where the money is going. After that win in game 3, most people will naturally bet SMB because they’re coming off two straight wins. So the book sets a line that looks tempting, almost like a trap, and they take the public money.

Honestly, it feels like there’s syndicate action behind it sometimes. That’s what makes the PBA look shady to a lot of bettors. It’s a small league, and stuff like this is probably why it never becomes truly popular even after all these years.

Though there's no physical evidence that may directly exposed that syndicate but if you are familiar with the teams and players who are playing you'll easily sort things up, whether they are really playing with their competitive capablities or they are just playing to show the fans that they are present during the game, it's been a long time when PBA still a game of pride, now, it's just already controlled by big name owners and being dominated by both SMC and MVP ownerships.

Those are sister teams, and that rig rumor has been around for years, until now. So the more people will suspect the games are scripted. If you watch the YouTube live stream, you can even see it in the comments, that’s exactly what people keep saying.

Anyway, the series is tied now, so it’s basically a best-of-3. More games means more chances to bet. On the other series though, it looks like TNT is about to take it since they’re already up 3–1. Also, Newsome didn’t play, probably injured, and that clearly matters.

Just like what I mentioned, and same with your observation while watching it thru youtube live there are comments that showing the individual perceptions of the fans and viewers, though there's nothing that can be provided about any rigging activities but it's all in the minds of those fans who loves to see competitiveness inside the court.

Let see what will happen next, best of 3 for SMB and BGSM while 1 more win for the tropang texters,  they can choose to end the series earlier to start practicing for the finals, or give another game for Meralco and extend the series.

[Japinat]

I don’t really believe in the idea of rigged games, even in the PBA. Last night’s matchup was simply an ordinary game that turned extraordinary because of Scottie Thompson’s stellar performance. He delivered a career-high 35 points, along with 11 rebounds and 11 assists, leading the Gin Kings to victory and tying the series at 2-2. On the other hand, Junemar Fajardo struggled to score, missing even point-blank attempts, which heavily contributed to the Beermen’s loss. For me, that wasn’t unusual—it was just an off night for San Miguel. Now, all eyes are on Game 5, which promises to be an exciting battle.

Most rig statements usually come from gamblers who just lost their bets. We all have our own observations, sure, but most of the time it’s still just an assumption, not a fact. There’s no solid proof that games are actually being rigged.

That said, I’ll be honest, it’s still one of the factors I personally consider when choosing a team. Sometimes it’s just a gut feel, and surprisingly, I get it right more often than not. But for me, that mostly applies to the PBA, that’s where I really feel something weird is going on. At the end of the day, it’s our money anyway. We can decide how we want to bet it, whether we consider the “rig factor” or completely ignore it. It’s really not that big of a deal.