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| Jordan Heading sat out his supposed TNT debut against Blackwater, and his status against Ginebra is also up in the air. PBA Images |
MANILA--Despite being activated the day before, Jordan Heading did not even suit up for new team TNT on Friday night against Blackwater.
However, before the fans can speculate that the streak shooting guard is being reserved for a huge game against Barangay Ginebra two nights later, Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes essentially said that Heading is still questionable at least.
"I doubt [he will play on Sunday]. He's really a day-to-day because number one, he still has that back injury that he's still trying to recover from, and number two, he's been inactive for a long time. So di ganun kadali yun," Reyes said after their win against the Bossing at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
While Heading and Mike Nieto quickly reported to practice on Wednesday, right after Converge let them go earlier in the week, Reyes said that TNT is taking a cautious approach to bringing Heading back to action.
"He's been able to join a little bit of our practice, but not yet completely full-contact practice. We're not rushing it," Reyes further said.
He added that the Tropang 5G are being prepared to take on the Gin Kings and, later next week, the Magnolia Hotshots without Heading's services.
"I think our team's mentality is to play the last two games with who we have. If Jordan can join us, that's great, but if not, we've got to figure out a way to win with the players that we have," Reyes continued.
In a positive development, though, Heading said that he is not feeling any pain in his back currently.
"It's good. It's feeling good. Some good progress," Heading said.
When asked if he is ready to play against Ginebra, Heading replied, "We don't have an answer just yet, but we'll see."
The Tropang 5G need to win both their remaining games to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
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