TNT will field Malick Diouf in Sunday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal against Meralco after losing Bol Bol to injury. The Tropang 5G aim to take a 2-1 series lead at Mall of Asia Arena.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said the team must cope with Bol Bol’s partial Achilles tear that ended the import’s conference. The 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf, a naturalized Filipino and former University of the Philippines player, will start at 5:15 p.m. while TNT awaits possible reinforcements.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo noted that facing an unfamiliar import adds pressure but his team must maintain high standards. TNT leads the series 1-1 after an 87-76 loss in Game 2.
Barangay Ginebra faces Rain or Shine in the other semifinal matchup later at 7:30 p.m. TNT manager Jojo Lastimosa is monitoring former NBA player Marquese Chriss and Darius Days as long-term options.