STREAKING Magnolia Chicken Timplados guns for its fifth straight win and move closer to a playoff spot when the team faces Meralco in a pivotal clash in the 2022-23 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots and the Bolts are currently tied at sixth spot with their identical 4-3 records. They go for broke at 6:45 p.m. before an expected good Sunday crowd at the Big Dome.

Magnolia is coming off a 112-97 rout of Rain or Shine for the team's fourth straight win since starting the conference at 0-3. On the other hand, Meralco plastered NLEX, 114-98.

'Magnolia is a good team. They miss [Ian] Sangalang, but they are still a good team,' Meralco coach Norman Black said, whose team will be eyeing a fifth win to inch closer to a playoff berth.

The American mentor noted that Magnolia's strength lies on its solid and experienced backcourt that includes Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and Paul Lee.

Add to that the energy that the 'Beast' Calvin Abueva brings into the team, making the Hotshots a cinch to win their fifth straight game.

'Their guard line is quite strong, and Calvin has been playing well the last couple games if he's not in foul trouble,' he added.

Hulking import Antonio Hester has also blended well into the team since coming in to replace the ineffective Eric McCree. Since winning its last four contests, the Hotshots have galvanized their playoff drive in the season-ending conference.

No wonder, Black expects a defensive battle against the Hotshots.

Meanwhile, Converge (6-2) shoots for its seven win in nine starts against unpredictable Phoenix (2-5) in their 4:30 p.m. match.

The FiberXers already secured a playoff spot after beating the Blackwater Bossing, 98-90 last Thursday.

A win by Converge vaults the boys of coach Aldin Ayo into a share of second spot with idle San Miguel Beer in the standings.