COMING off a long respite, Rain or Shine swings back to action as it faces NLEX in a game that has a lot of playoff implications for both squads as the PBA Philippine Cup reaches the homestretch today, May 3, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Elasto Painters will enter the game with confidence high, having won five of their last six games since opening the conference with four straight losses.

The team of coach Yeng Guiao tangles with NLEX (5-4) at 7:30 p.m.

In the opening game, Magnolia (5-4) also tries to get back from a forgettable loss to Meralco on Sunday when it clashes with Terrafirma (5-5) at 4:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine dropped a close 108-102 decision to Magnolia on April 20 in Tiaong, Quezon that saw its five-game winning streak come to a close.

But the Elasto Painters are expected to play with all their hearts, knowing that a win against the skidding Road Warriors could give them a golden chance of landing in the top 6 at the end of the elimination round.

NLEX, though, is well aware that winning its last two games could mean possibly taking the No. 2 seed that would give the Road Warriors the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round.

San Miguel Beer, unbeaten in 10 games, has already secured the No. 1 spot and the first twice-to-beat edge.

A loss by NLEX today would give Ginebra (7-3) the second and last twice-to-beat advantage.

Rain or Shine has been playing well lately with veteran Beau Belga averaging 17.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

The burly big man has elevated his game since rookie Keith Datu was sidelined by an injury due to an MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprain on his knee last month.

As for the Hotshots, the proud franchise is itching to get back into the winning wagon after suffering a 74-51 setback against the Meralco Bolts.