Magnolia, TNT collide in PBA Season 48 opener

It's Magnolia vs. TNT to open the new PBA season. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia and TNT take centerstage on Nov. 5 as they collide in the opening game of the new PBA season.

As revealed during the preseason press conference on Tuesday at the Diamond Hotel, the Hotshots and the Tropang Giga clash at 7 p.m. to cap a festive opening night event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The day begins with the 2023 Leo Awards at 4 p.m., and the opening ceremonies quickly follow before the Magnolia-TNT opener.

Action shifts to the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Nov. 8 with Blackwater taking on Converge at 4 p.m. and Meralco battling Rain Or Shine at 8 p.m.

On Nov. 10, Terrafirma and NorthPort clash to open their season at 4 p.m., and NLEX match up against Phoenix at 8 p.m., both happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The PBA will then play three straight nights at the Ynares Center in Antipolo beginning with a Nov. 11 doubleheader pitting the Bossing and Bolts at 3 p.m. and the FiberXers and Tropang Giga at 6:15 p.m.

San Miguel begins its season on Nov. 15 also at the Ynares Center, taking on NLEX at 8 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. game between Terrafirma and Blackwater.

Ginebra then begins its PBA Commissioner's Cup title defense on Nov. 17 against Converge back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 8 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. game between Magnolia and NorthPort.

It will not take long, though, before the "Manila Clasico" takes place as the Gin Kings and the Hotshots clash on Nov. 19 also at "The Big Dome" at 6:15 p.m., right after the 3 p.m. game between the Bolts and Beermen.

The PBA will make a regular season stop at the Tiaong Convention Center on Nov. 25 with a showdown between Converge and SMB.

The league will then its first-ever stop in San Jose, Batangas with a Dec. 9 showdown between Phoenix and Ginebra.

The following Saturday, Rain Or Shine and Magnolia battle each other at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro.

The Hotshots go back on tour on Jan. 6 against the Bolts at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City. 

Meanwhile, the designated arena for the Jan. 13 clash between the Gin King and the Road Warriors is still being finalized.

As also announced on Tuesday, the games will be aired live on A2Z Channel 11 with catch-up broadcasts on One Sports.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno