Barangay Ginebra, a wonder despite all its health woes, hopes to continue to endure aches and pains as it tangles with NLEX in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
As just as Japeth Aguilar is to rejoin the team, Joe Devance takes his turn to join Greg Slaughter, Sol Mercado, Jervy Cruz and Art dela Cruz in sickbay.
"Injuries continue to hound us with Joe Devance now out for the next three to four weeks," rued Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
But even with all their injuries, the Kings have stayed afloat, and have their sights set on regaining the solo lead as they mix it up with the Road Warriors at 7 p.m.
The Kings are tied with the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots at 5-1 while the Road Warriors are a game behind at 4-2.
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"NLEX has been very good and efficient offensively, and we'll have to figure a way to defend them," said Cone of the start of their back-to-back games this weekend.
They're up against the Meralco Bolts Sunday.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is among those amazed of the Kings.
"At a time when GSM seems most vulnerable because of injuries, they keep playing their best basketball. Their guys have been stepping up big time," said Guiao.
"We know they defend the lane better than any team. We have to make shots like we did against Blackwater in order to open up some space for our bigs," Guiao added.
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The NLEX bench chieftain can see that the Kings are not lacking the firepower in the absence of Aguilar, Slaughter and Mercado.
"(Justin) Brownlee does not have a weakness in his game so all we can do is work hard and pray. LA (Tenorio) and Scottie (Thompson) will be added headaches for us," Guiao said.
But the Road Warriors themselves have been pretty solid with original import Oluseyi Ashaolu and import sub Aaron Fuller.
They went 3-2 minus Guiao and fashioned out a 124-106 rout of the previously unbeaten Blackwater side upon the return of their coach on Sept. 26.
"Isip ko nga baka hindi na ako kailangan ng team," said Guiao.(SB)
