Waiting game for Magnolia as Shabazz Muhammad hopes to be fit for playoffs
MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs is fast approaching, but Magnolia remains undecided whether to stick with Shabazz Muhammad or bring in another import.
Muhammad continues to recover from a knee tendonitis that kept him from playing on Friday, September 20, but the Hotshots still pulled off a crucial 110-94 win over NorthPort that secured their place in the quarterfinals.
Three days before that, Muhammad played through the injury in their 84-82 loss to TNT, but Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said the team opted to sideline the former NBA player against the Batang Pier to avoid further damage.
“We don’t want to force him and aggravate his injury,” said Victolero in a mix of Filipino and English. “Let’s see what happens because it’s near the playoffs.”
“Hopefully, we can decide on what we can do. Shabazz knows the situation.”
Muhammad, who played five season in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks, came in as a replacement import for Glenn Robinson III.
He saw action in just two games this conference, averaging 25 points and 10.5 rebounds.
As Magnolia gears up for its final elimination-round assignment against Converge on Monday, September 23, with the two teams’ quarterfinal placing at stake, Victolero said finding another import is an “option.”
Muhammad, meanwhile, has his fingers crossed that he would be fit enough to suit up again.
“Hopefully this weekend, the swelling will go down and we can get ready for the playoffs,” said the 31-year-old Muhammad.
“There’s no ligament damage or nothing like that. It’s just swollen at this point.” – Rappler.com