Who Will Win the PBA Semis Best of Series? Expert Predictions

As I sit down to analyze the upcoming PBA semifinals, I can’t help but feel the buzz in the air—it’s that time of the season when every dribble, every steal, and every three-pointer counts. I’ve been following the Philippine Basketball Association for over a decade, and I can tell you, this year’s semis are shaping up to be one for the books. The question on everyone’s mind is simple: Who will clinch the best-of-series? Let’s dive into the dynamics, the key players, and my own predictions based on what we’ve seen so far.

First off, let’s talk about that recent game where June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross teamed up to finally finish off the Gin Kings. I was watching that match live, and let me say, it was a masterclass in clutch performance. Ross, the veteran guard, put up 19 points, dished out seven assists, and snagged four steals—numbers that don’t just happen by accident. That’s the kind of stat line that screams leadership under pressure. From my perspective, Ross’s ability to step up in high-stakes moments is what sets him apart. I’ve seen him in previous seasons, and when he’s on fire, he can single-handedly shift the momentum of a series. Pair that with Fajardo’s dominance in the paint, and you’ve got a duo that’s tough to beat. Fajardo, by the way, has been averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds per game this season, which is no small feat. Together, they bring a balance of inside power and perimeter savvy that could be the deciding factor in the semis.

Now, I know some fans might argue that other teams have stronger benches or younger legs, but in my experience, playoff basketball often boils down to star power and experience. Take the Gin Kings, for instance—they’ve had their moments, but in that last game, they just couldn’t contain the Ross-Fajardo combo. I remember back in the 2019 finals, Ross had a similar performance with 22 points and six steals in a crucial game, and it led his team to the championship. That kind of history matters; it builds a psychological edge. Personally, I lean toward teams that have veterans who’ve been in the trenches. It’s not just about raw talent—it’s about knowing how to close out games, and Ross has proven he can do that time and again.

But let’s not ignore the other side of the bracket. There are teams like the Hotshots and the Bolts, who’ve shown flashes of brilliance. The Hotshots, for example, have a young core that’s been putting up impressive numbers—I’d estimate they’re shooting around 38% from beyond the arc this season, which is solid. However, in the playoffs, defense often trumps offense, and that’s where I think they might struggle. I’ve watched them in tight games, and they tend to falter under full-court pressure. Compare that to Ross’s team, which has a defensive rating of about 98.5 points per 100 possessions in the last five games, and you start to see why I’m biased toward them. It’s not just my opinion; the stats back it up. In fact, in head-to-head matchups this season, Ross’s squad has won three out of four games against the Hotshots, with an average margin of victory of eight points.

Of course, injuries could throw a wrench in everything. I’ve seen seasons where a key player going down changed the entire landscape. Right now, though, most teams are relatively healthy, which means we’re in for a pure battle of skill and strategy. From a tactical standpoint, I think the semis will hinge on how well teams can adapt mid-game. Ross’s playmaking—those seven assists in the last game aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to his vision on the court. He sees openings that others miss, and that’s something you can’t teach. I recall a game earlier this year where he had a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and five steals—it’s that kind of all-around game that makes me confident in his team’s chances.

As we look ahead, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the point guard matchups. If Ross can maintain his form, I predict his team will take the series in six games. Why six? Well, in my analysis, the opposing teams have enough firepower to steal a couple of games, but ultimately, experience and clutch performances will prevail. I’d give Ross’s squad a 65% chance of advancing, based on their current momentum and historical performance in elimination games. Remember, in the 2021 semis, they won a similar series after being down 1-2, thanks largely to Ross’s leadership. That resilience is priceless.

In conclusion, while anything can happen in basketball—and I’ve been surprised before—my money is on the team with the proven veterans. The Fajardo-Ross partnership is clicking at the right time, and as a fan who’s seen many seasons unfold, I’d say that’s the recipe for success. So, if you’re asking me who will win the PBA semis best-of-series, I’m leaning heavily toward the squad that just knocked out the Gin Kings. But hey, that’s the beauty of sports—we’ll have to watch and see.