SMB's playoff hopes in PBA Commissioner's Cup hang in the balance

The defending champion San Miguel Beer (SMB) faces an uncertain future in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup as they are currently outside the Magic 8 with two games remaining.

With a 5-7 record, the Beermen are in 10th place and their playoff hopes hinge on the outcomes of games involving rivals NLEX and Magnolia.

NLEX, with a 5-6 record, will play Hong Kong Eastern on Wednesday, while Magnolia, also at 5-6, faces Meralco on Friday.

If both NLEX and Magnolia win their upcoming games, they will secure spots in the quarterfinals, eliminating SMB.

Should one of these teams win and the other lose, the winner will advance, and the loser will join SMB in early elimination.

In the scenario where both NLEX and Magnolia lose, a three-way tie for the eighth spot would occur.

SMB would then face NLEX in a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth due to their superior quotient, while Magnolia would be eliminated.