Humbled by the Knights in their first meeting, 86-82, the Blades hope to get back at their lone tormentor in their 5:30 p.m. encounter at the La Salle Lipa Sentrum, looking for win No. 9.
Coach Nash Racela is again expected to call on Romel Adducul, Alex Compton and Eddie Laure in the Blades’ bid to beat the Knights and firm up their hold of the Northern Conference lead.
The Knights, however, are out to reassert their supremacy over the hosts.
Boasting of the league’s tallest lineup and backstopped by some of the league’s brightest stars, the Knights won the National Finals and the First Phase to earn the favorite’s tag.
Andok’s San Juan coach Philip Cezar is likely to bank on Chris Calaguio and Bruce Dacia, ace playmaker Chito Victolero and twin towers Rafi Reavis and Omanzie Rodriguez.
In the other game, Socsargen-Taguig also tries to make it two in a row over TPG Davao in the 3 p.m. opener.
Powered by Buboy Rodriguez, Bong Alvarez and Egay Echavez, the Marlins subdued the TPG Davao Eagles, 122-116, last Wednesday to improve to 3-9. TPG Davao has yet to win after eight starts.
MBA games are being telecast live over National Broadcasting Network 4 on Sundays, Wednesday and Fridays.