Blackwater may have just found a crucial opportunity that could significantly enhance its chances of reaching the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. The pivotal question now is whether the Bossing can capitalize on this chance.

This Saturday at 5 p.m., Blackwater will face San Miguel Beer in a matchup steeped in intrigue as the Beermen grapple with uncertainties at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Currently tied for fourth place in Group B with a 3-5 record, the Bossing must secure victories in their final two games—culminating in a rematch against Rain or Shine on Monday—to ignite their hopes of advancing to the next round.

Only the top four teams from each group following the 10-game elimination round will progress, with any ties being resolved through the PBA quotient system.

On the other hand, the Beermen, boasting a 6-3 record, along with the 7-2 Rain or Shine and 6-3 Barangay Ginebra, have already clinched their spots in the next phase, joined by defending champions TNT and recent Philippine Cup winners Meralco from Group A.

However, a significant concern for SMB is the status of their import, Jordan Adams.

Adams sustained what appears to be a strained right hamstring during the Beermen’s recent 112-122 defeat to the Elasto Painters just last Thursday. The dynamic import requested to be substituted out at the 8:43 mark of the fourth quarter and did not return, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, and five steals in 33 minutes of play.

He is scheduled to undergo tests on Friday to assess the severity of the injury.

Even if Adams receives medical clearance to play, there are doubts about his ability to perform at full strength against the Bossing, who have had a prolonged period to rest and strategize since their narrow 114-119 loss to Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday.

The focus will be on how the remaining Beermen, led by eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, cope with the pressure that players like George King, Troy Rosario, and Sedrick Barefield are likely to exert.