The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are set to begin their quest for redemption in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors' Cup following a heartbreaking loss in the Commissioner's Cup finals. The team fell to Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in a decisive Game 7, and now aims to reclaim a championship title.
Opening Match Against Blackwater
The Elasto Painters will face the Blackwater Bossing in the first game on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5:15 PM at the Ynares Center in Montalban. Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao has already outlined the team's immediate goal: securing a spot in the quarterfinals, which he believes is more challenging this conference due to the league's return to a group format.
“To make the top four, you need at least six wins. Five might be possible, but you could still lose on quotient,” Guiao explained in an interview published on www.pba.ph.
New Group Format Explained
Under the new format, the 13 teams—including guest team Macau Giant Pandas—are divided into two groups. Rain or Shine and Blackwater are in Group B alongside Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco Bolts, and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. Group A consists of TNT Tropang Giga, San Miguel Beermen, Converge FiberXers, NLEX Road Warriors, Terrafirma Dyip, and Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
During the elimination round, teams play twice against members of their own group and do not face teams from the other group. The top four teams from each group advance to a crossover quarterfinals. In case of ties, the quotient system will be applied.
“On the other side, there are three teams that likely won't be able to contend yet… while on our side, you still have to worry about Phoenix and Blackwater. They are putting up a fight. So you have to deal with them. You might get upset,” Guiao added.
Main Game: Phoenix vs. Magnolia
In the second game at 7:30 PM, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters will face the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. Both teams are looking to recover after suffering painful quarterfinal exits in the previous conference.
Both squads have acquired new imports they hope will lead them to success. Phoenix signed BJ Johnson, 30, who has played for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Magnolia selected KJ Buffen, 26, who played in the US NCAA Division I.
