When TNT plays Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, Mikey Williams is back in the country but is still a game-time decision.
The 30-year-old Williams, who spent the conference break in the US, has just returned, but he is still recovering from the sprained ankle he suffered in Game 2 of the Philippine Cup Finals versus San Miguel.
The high-scoring guard was limited for the remainder of the championship series, which the Beermen won in a decisive Game 7. (119-97).
Jayson Castro, Williams’ backcourt teammate, is also a game-time decision for TNT after suffering an ankle injury during the best-of-seven finals. Castro missed Game 6, which San Miguel won, 114-96, to advance the series to a winner-take-all matchup.
However, despite being hurt, he persevered and nearly triple-doubled with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in the series’ last game despite the fact that they were losing.
Currently, the Tropang Giga will be missing injured players Ryan Reyes (dislocated shoulder), Glenn Khobuntin (MCL), Raul Soyud (strained calf), and Brian Heruela, according to TNT coach Chot Reyes (arthroscopic surgery).
The absence of big man Poy Erram, who will serve a one-game ban for committing a second Flagrant Foul penalty 2 during Game 7 of the championships following a hit on San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa that resulted in the Fil-Tongan needing six stitches to close a head gash, only makes those injuries worse.
Erram was expelled from Game Seven of the PBA Philippine Cup finals as a result of the incident, and the league has confirmed that he has been suspended for one game.