After the Christmas break, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup returns on Friday. Only three spaces remain after Magnolia Chicken Timplados, Phoenix Super LPG, Meralco, San Miguel, and Barangay Ginebra punched tickets in the next round, so the competition for quarterfinal berths is fierce.

There are still five teams fighting for the three berths, and the results of their upcoming games will provide more insight into how the quarterfinal race will unfold.

Let’s scan the candidates vying for those positions.

NORTHPORT 

The Batang Pier had an outstanding start to the conference, but they have already dropped their last two games and are presently one game behind San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra in fourth place. There are two games left for the Batang Pier, starting on Sunday against Ginebra, which is also the day after they play Blackwater. NorthPort should have enough points on Friday to secure a quarterfinal spot with a victory over the Bossing.

TNT

After losing their last two games, the Tropang Giga are currently ranked eighth. During the Christmas break, TNT made a significant move, replacing his younger brother Rondae with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson. On Friday, TNT will air Rain or Shine; on January 14, the twice-to-beat Phoenix Super LPG will be televised.

Rain or Shine 

Rain or Shine, the hottest club in the league right now, is tied with TNT in the Commissioner’s Cup after winning four straight games, including Magnolia’s lone loss. By the way, this Friday’s game between the Tropang Giga and the Elasto Painters could have an impact on the playoffs. On January 14, Rain or Shine will conclude the eliminations versus Converge, which is also run.

NLEX

With a 3-6 win-loss record, the Road Warriors are one of the two teams that are now outside looking in. They are currently ranked ninth. NLEX will still play Barangay Ginebra in Legazpi City on January 13 after it plays Converge on January 10.

TERRAFIRMA

The Dyip are still in the hunt even after dropping six straight games, but they are not in control of their own destiny. Terrafirma’s schedule is equally challenging, as they play Meralco on January 12 and San Miguel on Sunday.