PBA: Paul Lee reactivated as Magnolia tries to force QF decider vs TNT

Paul Lee makes a return in Magnolia's do-or-die game against TNT. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Magnolia fans are in for a post-Christmas treat as Paul Lee is set to return to the lineup after sitting out the team's last game against TNT.

Interestingly enough, Lee's comeback will happen also against the Tropang 5G, this time in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

While the league announced the return on Friday, the Hotshots actually reactivated Lee on Tuesday, the deadline for the quarterfinal teams to submit their final playoff rosters.

To make way for Lee's return, Gab Gomez was relegated to the injured reserve list.

This implies, though, that playing head coach LA Tenorio remains part of the active roster, opening a possibility that he and Lee will have playing time together.

Tenorio hinted already that his stint as player-coach will continue to the playoffs.

"Ito na yung magiging lineup namin. We'll see sa mga darating na adjustments," Tenorio said after Magnolia's loss to TNT on Sunday night that relegated the former to the twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals.

Interestingly enough, both the Hotshots and Tropang 5G found themselves facing each other again in the Round of 8 following Barangay Ginebra's win against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers later that Sunday, essentially making their playoff clash a virtual best-of-three series with TNT up, 1-0.

Lee injured his hamstring during Magnolia's loss in Manama to Rain or Shine, and nearly two weeks since it happened, he will likely play through how much is left in the pain.

The showdown between the Hotshots and Tropang 5G is set for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, right after another quarterfinal battle between the Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts.

Like TNT, ROS has a twice-to-beat advantage against Meralco.