The new PBA season kicks off on June 5 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum with a loaded schedule. At 2:00 p.m., the annual Leo Awards honoring the previous season's individual awards winners gets the ball rolling, followed by the opening ceremonies.
Then for the first time in over 10 seasons, opening day will feature two games. At 4:00 p.m., the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will be the first team to play newcomers Converge FiberXers. At 6:30 p.m. will be a rematch of last season's Philippine Cup finals as the Magnolia Hotshots take on defending champions TNT Tropang Giga.
The league released a full conference schedule for the first time in two years. The PBA has stuck with its two-games-a-day, five-days-a-week schedule they first introduced in the 2020 bubble.
With 10 games a week, the elimination round is slated to end on July 22. Here are five games to look forward to in the 2022 Philippine Cup. Top overall pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser's first game would definitely be worth watching, but since he's currently on the injured/reserve list of Blackwater, there's no telling at this point when that will happen.
Magnolia Hotshots vs. TNT Tropang Giga June 5, 6:30 p.m. Smart-Araneta Coliseum
We get the finals rematch right on opening day. Last season, the TNT beat Magnolia in five games to win their first Philippine Cup in eight years. Both teams are fielding virtually the same lineups from last year, with perhaps former Gilas Pilipinas guard Jaydee Tungcab the only noteworthy addition for TNT. The Magnolia hasn't won a Philippine Cup since 2014 when they were still the San Mig Coffee, while TNT are aiming to repeat as Philippine Cup champions for the first time in nine years.
Terrafirma Dyip vs. NLEX Road Warriors June 8, 3:00 p.m. Smart-Araneta Coliseum
This game will feature two second-year players just raring to get back into the groove after injuries derailed their rookie campaigns. Season 46 top overall pick Joshua Munzon was limited to just nine games last season due to a dislocated finger. No. 3 pick Calvin Oftana sat out practically the entire 2021-22 Governors' Cup with a similar injury. They will get a chance to make up for lost time in their season debuts.
Magnolia Hotshots vs. Barangay Ginebra June 19, 6:30 p.m. Mall of Asia Arena
Manila Clasico is always a must-watch nationwide, and the first one of Season 47 is special as it coincides with the birthday anniversary of the country's national hero Jose Rizal. Since the rivalry started in 1988, the Magnolia franchise has the overall edge 105-95 and has won the last three games. This will also be the first time in nearly three years that a full crowd will be allowed to watch the Clasico; in their last meeting on Christmas Day, a limited number of fans were allowed inside the venue.
TNT Tropang Giga vs. San Miguel Beermen July 7, 7:15 p.m. Smart-Araneta Coliseum
The clash between the flagship teams of the MVP Group and SMC is always intriguing. It helps that both teams are among the contenders for this season's Philippine Cup. TNT's guard-driven offense powered by Mikey Williams and Jayson Castro is a sharp contrast against SMB's imposing frontline of June Mar Fajardo, Vic Manuel and Mo Tautuaa. TNT are the defending champions, while the Beermen are seeking their first Philippine Cup title since they completed a five-peat in 2019.
Converge FiberXers vs. Phoenix Super LPG July 16, 7:15 p.m. Ynares Center-Antipolo
On paper these two teams are, at best, dark horses in the tournament. But both have some quality rookies who can make some noise. The FiberXers will be parading the third and fourth picks of the recent rookie draft, big men Justin Arana and Jeo Ambohot, and the ninth pick, shooter Kurt Lojera, whom they acquired in a trade with Blackwater in May. Phoenix wisely used their three second-round draft picks on guards Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano and big man Chris Lalata. While Lalata was placed on the team's reserve list, Tio and Serrano will look to bring their college pedigree to the pro ranks.