Phoenix to rise anew vs NLEX?

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Petroleum hopes to keep the fire of its stirring come-from-behind win over Magnolia Sunday while three teams look to check their slump as they figure in a rare Wednesday doubleheader on the road at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna tonight.

The Fuel Masters seek a piece of second place with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts at 3-1 when they tangle with the NLEX Road Warriors (0-3) at 4:30 p.m. before the Barangay Ginebra Kings (0-2) and the Blackwater Elite (0-4) lock horns at 7 p.m.

Keenly awaited in this PBA Commissioner’s Cup twinbill is the decision of Ginebra coach Tim Cone on whether to finally reactivate Greg Slaughter or not.

After their 92-96 loss to TNT KaTropa Sunday, Cone hinted at Slaughter’s possible return tonight but maintained it’s a game-time decision.

But odds are heavily stacked on the Kings’ side with or without Slaughter versus the Blackwater squad reeling on four straight losses and on an adjustment period with new coach Bong Ramos.

The Elite had a fine start in their first game under Ramos versus the GlobalPort Batang Pier on May 2 only to falter and fail at the finish. Blackwater suffered a 106-117 defeat after earlier shattering losses to Columbian Dyip, Phoenix Petroleum and Alaska Milk that cost the job of longtime head coach Leo Isaac.

They have to arrest their skid now if they’re to contend for a playoff spot.

To be able to get on track, the Ginebra coach said he might finally play Slaughter “on minutes restriction.”

“We’re hoping to bust out and get going this conference with a win. Needless to say, we need to start developing some momentum before it gets too late,” said Cone.

Before their loss to TNT, the Gin Kings suffered an 89-108 beating from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.