Heading, Nieto give TNT Grand Slam bid much-needed optimism, pleasure

There’s a way of optimism and pleasure throughout the TNT camp with the arriving of each Jordan Heading and Mike Nieto, which the staff hopes might be a shot within the arm of the Tropang 5G’s quest to finish a ancient PBA Grand Slam.

“Can’t say they’re disappointed,” staff supervisor Jojo Lastimosa stated when The Inquirer requested about TNT’s temper following the separate acquisitions of Heading and Nieto from Converge.

TNT hopes to experience that wave on Friday in opposition to suffering Blackwater, preferred to win a 6th consecutive sport after a 0-3 get started and create obligatory momentum prior to its marquee conflict with Barangay Ginebra two nights later.

Both gamers had been activated by way of the Tropang 5G forward of the 5 p.m. contest at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, however there’s nonetheless no assurance that they are going to see motion, let on my own get important.

“We activated both new players, but playing them immediately has not been decided yet, especially Jordan whom we are approaching with caution,” Lastimosa stated.

Heading has been nursing a again damage since he remaining performed for Converge within the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup, whilst Nieto has additionally now not been fielded this convention previous to his transfer to TNT by the use of unrestricted unfastened company.

Crucial nightcap

There’s been whispers that TNT might save Heading for the Ginebra matchup, which can see two groups squaring off for the primary time because the dramatic Game 7 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals that went into extra time.

The two joined TNT’s apply for the primary time remaining Wednesday, and had been welcomed with open palms by way of their new teammates. In truth, Calvin Oftana even attempted to make Heading an honorary “Bisaya,” a connection with the choice of Tropang 5G gamers from Visayas and Mindanao.

The doable Heading-Nieto debut has moderately taken a lot of the highlight clear of the a very powerful 7:30 p.m. nightcap between Magnolia and NLEX, with the winner taking sole ownership of the lead and most likely a digital twice-to-beat berth.

Magnolia and NLEX cling similar 7-2 slates after contrasting effects remaining Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum because the Hotshots fell to sister staff Barangay Ginebra whilst the Road Warriors rolled previous the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Phoenix downed NorthPort, 118-107, in Wednesday’s sport at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Friday’s video games cling nice significance within the race for the highest 4 seats that still ensure a twice-to-beat benefit within the quarterfinals.

San Miguel Beer is operating 3rd at 6-2 whilst Ginebra and Rain or Shine are tied at 6-3, a win-loss slate TNT seems to be to equivalent.

Converge has an out of doors likelihood at 6-4 at the same time as protecting champion Meralco has the similar quandary after an up-and-down convention that led to a 6-5 slate.