The long-awaited 2025-26 PBA Philippine Cup is officially here, and what better way to start than with the biggest rivalry in Philippine basketball — the Manila Clasico. On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel face off against their archrivals, the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
Two of the PBA’s most passionate fanbases will once again fill the Big Dome, waving red and blue flags, chanting, and celebrating the game that has defined local hoops for decades. For those looking to spice up the excitement even more, 747Live, the top online betting platform in the Philippines, is offering competitive odds, live betting, and exclusive bonuses for this matchup.
So — which team will open the season with a statement win? Let’s break down everything you need to know before placing your bets on 747Live.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (0-0): A New Era Under LA Tenorio
Projected Starting Five:
Paul Lee
Javi Gómez de Liaño
Rome dela Rosa
Zavier Lucero
Ian Sangalang
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots enter this season with renewed energy and a fresh direction. After several years under head coach Chito Victolero, the franchise has handed the reins to LA Tenorio, an eight-time PBA champion and one of the league’s most respected basketball minds. Tenorio’s transition from player to coach is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the season, and fans are eager to see how his leadership translates from the floor to the sidelines.
Gone are the days of Rafi Reavis, who finally hung up his sneakers after what felt like an eternity of rebounding and rim protection for Magnolia. But even without the veteran big man, the Hotshots are far from lacking in talent.
They finished the previous conference with a strong 8-3 record, even starting with eight straight wins before losing steam down the stretch. Their playoff campaign ended disappointingly against TNT Tropang 5G, where they squandered a twice-to-beat advantage. However, Tenorio’s arrival signals a cultural reset — and a team that’s hungry to reclaim its dominance.
Key to their success will be the dynamic backcourt duo of Paul Lee and Javi Gómez de Liaño. Lee remains the emotional leader and primary shot-maker, while Javi brings athleticism, shooting, and youth. Meanwhile, Ian Sangalang anchors the paint, and Zavier Lucero’s arrival injects explosive energy at both ends of the floor.
Magnolia’s new additions, including Yukien Andrada, give the team flexibility — a must against a deep and athletic Ginebra squad. Expect Tenorio’s Hotshots to run a faster-paced offense with more ball movement and spacing, a style that may surprise fans used to Magnolia’s grind-it-out identity.
If you’re betting on 747Live, Magnolia’s underdog status at +3.5 on the spread presents solid value for bettors looking for an early upset.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (0-0): Still the Team to Beat?
Projected Starting Five:
Scottie Thompson
Maverick Ahanmisi
Stephen Holt
Troy Rosario
Japeth Aguilar
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel remain the gold standard of consistency in the PBA. Despite offseason changes, Tim Cone’s system and culture are still intact — built around discipline, chemistry, and championship pedigree.
The biggest news for the Barangay was the departure of Jamie Malonzo, who took his high-flying talents to Japan. His absence leaves a noticeable void in the team’s offense and perimeter defense. Yet, if there’s one team in the league that knows how to adapt, it’s Ginebra.
The backcourt tandem of Scottie Thompson and Maverick Ahanmisi ensures stability and leadership. Thompson, the 2021 MVP, remains Ginebra’s heartbeat — rebounding like a forward, facilitating like a point guard, and defending like a man possessed. Stephen Holt steps into a larger role, while Jeremiah Gray will be key in replacing Malonzo’s production on the wings.
Another storyline to watch is rookie Sonny Estil, who dominated the 2025 PBA Draft Combine and won MVP honors there. Coming out of the Letran program, Estil’s combination of length, hustle, and outside shooting could make him the next breakout star for Ginebra.
Even without Malonzo, Ginebra’s frontcourt remains dangerous with Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario. Both can stretch the floor and finish strong inside, giving Cone multiple offensive looks.
If you’re betting at 747Live, Ginebra’s favored status (-3.5) reflects their experience and proven chemistry. However, bettors should note that Ginebra typically starts seasons slowly before finding their rhythm — making Magnolia a tempting pick on the spread.
Head-to-Head History: The Classic Rivalry Renewed
Few rivalries in Philippine sports are as emotional as Magnolia vs. Ginebra. The Manila Clasico is not just a basketball game — it’s a cultural event. Families are divided by team colors, social media turns into a warzone, and the energy inside the arena reaches playoff levels even on opening night.
Last conference, Ginebra edged Magnolia with an 85–81 victory, thanks to their trademark fourth-quarter poise. But that was when Malonzo was still with the Barangay. Without him, Magnolia’s wings may finally have room to exploit mismatches and test Ginebra’s transition defense.
Under new coach LA Tenorio, Magnolia may throw in unexpected defensive schemes — perhaps a 2-3 zone or switch-heavy coverage — designed to slow down Ginebra’s motion offense. Conversely, Ginebra’s system thrives on spacing, patience, and ball movement, which could expose Magnolia’s youthful defenders if they overcommit.
Expect physical play from both sides, early foul trouble, and plenty of clutch moments.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Paul Lee vs. Scottie Thompson
The battle between the “Lethal Weapon” and the reigning floor general defines this matchup. Lee’s scoring bursts and shot-making can swing the momentum, but Thompson’s all-around versatility may neutralize him. Whichever guard controls the pace could dictate the game’s outcome.
2. Ian Sangalang vs. Japeth Aguilar
A matchup of contrasting styles — Sangalang’s craftiness and post finesse versus Aguilar’s athleticism and shot-blocking. If Sangalang can get Aguilar into early foul trouble, Magnolia gains a massive edge.
3. Javi Gómez de Liaño vs. Stephen Holt
Both are versatile wings capable of scoring and defending multiple positions. Holt’s experience gives him a slight edge, but Javi’s energy could be the X-factor for Magnolia.
Tactical Breakdown
Magnolia’s Strengths:
Balanced inside-out offense with multiple scoring options.
Younger, faster rotation with fresh legs.
Motivated under new leadership.
Ginebra’s Strengths:
Experience and championship composure.
Depth and adaptability under Tim Cone.
Strong defensive system and rebounding.
Magnolia’s Weaknesses:
Adjusting to a new coach and system.
Lack of rim protection without Reavis.
Ginebra’s Weaknesses:
Losing Malonzo’s two-way presence.
Potential overreliance on Thompson for playmaking.
Betting Predictions (via 747Live)
Spread: Magnolia (+3.5)
Over/Under: 190.5 (Under)
Given Ginebra’s tendency to start slow and Magnolia’s improved lineup, this game could be closer than expected. Both teams are adjusting — Ginebra without Malonzo and Magnolia under a rookie head coach — which could lead to a low-scoring, defensive battle early on.
Magnolia’s mix of veterans and young players gives them the tools to surprise the defending favorites. If Paul Lee gets hot from deep and Sangalang controls the boards, the Hotshots could pull off the mild upset.
Predicted Score:
Magnolia Hotshots 91
Ginebra San Miguel 88
Best Bets on 747Live:
Magnolia +3.5 (Spread) ✅
Under 190.5 ✅
Paul Lee Over 18.5 Points (Player Prop) ✅
747Live bettors can enjoy live in-game odds, quarter-by-quarter betting, and exclusive PBA promos, making it the go-to platform for Filipino sports fans this season.
Final Thoughts: Magnolia’s Moment to Shine
The 2025 Manila Clasico opener isn’t just another game — it’s a defining moment for both teams. For Magnolia, it’s the start of a new identity under LA Tenorio. For Ginebra, it’s about proving they can sustain success without Jamie Malonzo.
Expect grit, drama, and fireworks at the Araneta Coliseum. And whether you’re cheering courtside or watching at home, make sure to elevate the thrill by placing your bets on 747Live — the top betting platform in the Philippines. With its trusted odds, live updates, and easy transactions, 747Live ensures every PBA fan can experience the Manila Clasico like never before.
Final Prediction:
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (+3.5) stun Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in a close 91–88 win.
For real-time betting odds, prop bets, and live PBA action — sign up and bet responsibly at 747Live, the #1 destination for sports betting in the Philippines.
