The NLEX Road Warriors are set for a crucial PBA showdown this Sunday, December 7, 2025, as they face the Magnolia Chicken Timplados at the Ynares Center in Montalban. Riding a two-game winning streak, the team is not only eyeing a third straight victory but also a chance to grab a share of the top spot in the league standings.
High Stakes for the Standings
A triumph over Magnolia would propel the Road Warriors to an impressive 7-2 win-loss record. This outcome could potentially tie them for first place with either the Converge FiberXers or the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, depending on other results. The game is therefore a pivotal moment in the early phase of the conference, with significant implications for the playoff picture.
Bolick's Dual Motivation
Adding a layer of personal drive to the contest is NLEX's ace guard, Robert Bolick. The star player is extra motivated to secure a win before he temporarily leaves the team to answer the call of national duty. Bolick is set to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, scheduled from December 13 to 19.
His departure will be a significant loss for NLEX, as Bolick currently leads the team in scoring with an average of 17.17 points per game and tops the entire PBA in assists with 9.5 per contest. He will miss the Road Warriors' subsequent games against TNT Tropang 5G and the Converge FiberXers.
Coach Uichico on the Tough Stretch Ahead
NLEX head coach Jong Uichico is fully aware of the challenging schedule his squad faces. "We have three heavy games coming up. The teams we will face are at the top of the standings: Magnolia, TNT, Converge. I hope we can get through all three," Uichico stated.
He specifically highlighted the immediate threat, noting, "But Magnolia is playing well, they're young and big. We'll see. Magnolia is a heavy matchup." The Hotshots are coming off a 97-114 loss to Converge last Friday, which dropped their record to 5-3, tying them for fifth place with TNT. They are expected to play with heightened intensity to bounce back.
Focus on Balanced Performance
During the extended break following their last win over Titan Ultra on November 16, Coach Uichico and his staff concentrated on developing a more consistent and balanced effort from the team on both offense and defense. "We tried to work on it during the break. Let's see if it works," Uichico shared. He emphasized that the true test will come in actual games, saying, "The only way we can find out is through our games, whether it works or not."
Sunday's clash promises to be a compelling battle as NLEX fights to continue its winning momentum and climb the ladder, while Magnolia aims to regain its footing and protect its position in the upper half of the standings.
