Meralco import Akil Mitchell, middle, reacts on the sidelines during a game against Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Meralco import Akil Mitchell missed the game against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night due to a back injury.
Mitchell assured his health status is nothing to worry about with the playoffs right around the corner.
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“I’m still just nursing that injury that I got from that game against San Miguel so I just wanted to go into the playoffs a hundred percent,” Mitchell told Inquirer Sports.
READ: PBA: Ginebra holds off Meralco as rivals meet again in playoffs
“I had a herniated disk in my back last season and it just got a bit of a flare up so it’s nothing too serious. I practiced earlier in the week and had a hiccup so I decided to just get rest and get prepared for the playoffs.”
Without Mitchell, the Bolts came up short against the Gin Kings, who picked up the 91-87 victory to end their elimination round campaign in fourth place with an 8-4 slate.
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Meralco slid to 7-4 and will take on Ginebra in a best-of-three quarterfinals series with still a game against Magnolia on Friday remaining in their eliminations schedule.
READ: PBA: Meralco defeats San Miguel to bolster bid for twice-to-beat
With the Bolts’ playoff positioning already set, it’s still unsure if Mitchell will suit up against the Hotshots.
“Honestly, it depends. We were still 50/50 up until game time tonight. It depends how my body’s feeling and how my back reacts so we still don’t know,” he said.
“Maybe, I could’ve played tonight but at the same time there’s no reason to risk it and re-injure it heading to the playoffs.”
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