WATCH: Cleanest Plays of PBA Bubble Week 1

Being at or near the bottom of the standings is something San Miguel Beer and Terrafirma envisioned themselves to be at this stage of the PBA Philippine Cup bubble in Pampanga.

Main reason both the Beermen and Dyip view their collision Monday at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Arena in Angeles City as gauge on whether at least some of the problems they’ve been facing have been addressed.

“Positive pa rin naman kami,” said Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel on the eve of the match.

“Kaya lang, sa nakikita ko, ‘yung timing pa rin. Hindi pa in sync. Sisikapin lang naming makuha ‘yung timing, rhythm namin as a team. Kapag nakuha namin bukas… malamang magtuloy-tuloy na. Hopefully.”

Much bigger is the problem of defending champion SMB.

Already without six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, still recovering from a shin injury he suffered last February, the Beermen must now do battle without Terrence Romeo.

The flashy guard dislocated his right shoulder early in the game against TNT last Friday and has already left the bubble for treatment in Manila, an exit that cannot be revoked under agreed-upon conference rules.