Phoenix Fuel Masters vs Magnolia Hotshots Prediction & Betting Tips - PBA, Philippine Cup

Prediction published on 11/11/2020, 04:45  by Sridhar | Modified on 13/11/2020 at 14:08 in Basketball Predictions

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters will look to get a semi-final berth at the first time of asking when they take on Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup. Phoenix finished second in the group phase with a 8-3 win-loss record and only a head-to-head record separating them from the top-placed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Magnolia finished seventh in the standings with a win-loss record of 7-4, tied with five teams but finishing last in that group with the lowest head-to-head quotient.

Phoenix come into this match on the back of a four-match winning run and in turn six wins in their last seven matches. They have already defeated Magnolia 91-84 in the group phase on the back of a stellar fourth quarter that was won 31-13. The side is buzzing with top players like super scorer Matthew Wright, star forward Calvin Abueva, and Justin Chua. Even though they have a twice-to-beat advantage – thanks to their top-four finish – the Phoenix side would be gunning to secure a semis place in the first attempt.

Magnolia are the team with the momentum, though, as they have won their last six matches to reach the playoffs. They ended up level with four other teams but finished last in that mini-group to finish with a twice-to-win handicap. Paul Lee with an average of 19.91 points per game and Ian Sangalang with a corresponding average of 14.70 have been their standout players. Even their six wins have been comprehensive with margins of 12 or more in five. With nothing much to lose, Magnolia could prove to be a tougher proposition.