Aiming for a Top 4 Position: E-Painters' Ambitious Goal
Rain or Shine's Elasto Painters are steeling their resolve despite a crushing setback ahead of their upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup showdown against Terrafirma on June 4, 2025. The PhilSports Arena hosts this titanic clash as the Elasto Painters strive for a back-to-back victory to bolster their record to 6-3 and boost their chances for a top-four finish in the eliminations, promising a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The pain deepens with the loss of rising star Felix Lemetti, who is out for the season following a tragic left-hand fracture, sustained during practice[4]. Head coach Yeng Guiao lamented Lemetti's misfortune, noting that he played well even in practice[2], but the injury would sideline him for at least six weeks[5]. This season-ending injury adds to their existing injury woes, with veteran Beau Belga already nursing vertigo[1,3].
The departure of Lemetti would have been a valuable asset against Terrafirma, who may lack a commanding presence on the scoreboard but have a knack for springing surprises[6]. And it's not over yet for the Elasto Painters, who face additional challenges in the final stretch of the season, squaring off against powerhouses like San Miguel on June 7 and Barangay Ginebra on June 15[1].
[1] PBA.ph, accessed June 4, 2025, https://www.pba.ph/
[2] SPIN.ph, accessed June 4, 2025, https://spin.ph/
[3] ABS-CBN Sports, accessed June 4, 2025, https://sports.abs-cbn.com/
[4] ABS-CBN Sports, accessed June 4, 2025, https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/pbalive/06/04/2025/elasto-painters-felix-lemetti-keeps-hope-alive-as-he-aims-to-return-before-pba-commissioner-cup
[5] Inquirer.net, accessed June 4, 2025, https://sports.inquirer.net/396401/felix-lemetti-rule-out-remainder-pba-season-49-lefty-hand-fracture
[6] PBATV, accessed June 4, 2025, https://youtu.be/GnO7JEYSUUY
Despite the unfortunate season-ending injury of Felix Lemetti and the ongoing health issues with veteran Beau Belga, Rain or Shine's Elasto Painters are determined to push through their tough schedule, especially their upcoming NBA-like PBA Philippine Cup match against Terrafirma on June 4, 2025. The absence of Lemetti, a rising star known for his impressive performances even during practice, might hinder their chances against Terrafirma, who have a history of springing surprises, making this match-up even more challenging and exciting.
