NorthPort coach says JM Calma unlikely to play vs ROS due to knee injury

NorthPort coach says JM Calma unlikely to play vs ROS due to knee injury

JM Calma is doubtful to play for NorthPort in Wednesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup game after suffering an injury to his left knee during the Batang Pier’s loss to Barangay Ginebra.

Calma got hurt last Sunday in NorthPort’s 95-88 defeat to Ginebra. Incidentally, it was also in the same game where Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo also sustained an injury late in the contest.

jm calma injury northport

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

As of posting time, NorthPort is still waiting for the result of the MRI on Calma’s left knee. He sustained the injury during the 6:25-mark of the first quarter.

Calma was immediately sent to the hospital after the injury and never returned.

NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan said Calma didn’t attend practice ahead of Wednesday’s game against Rain or Shine.

“I don’t think he can play,” said Tan on the eve of the game against Rain or Shine.

COLUMN: No news on Malonzo injury isn’t exactly good news for Ginebra fans

Calma’s likely absence dampens NorthPort’s bid to break a two-game losing streak in the match-up against Rain or Shine at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Though undersized, Calma has been NorthPort’s primary big man, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in the Philippine Cup.

During their April 5 match against TNT, Calma had 22 points and 13 rebounds for NorthPort, both conference highs.

Calma has also showed his versatility after he won the Obstacle Challenge during the PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod last month.

Calma was highly regarded by NorthPort and drafted him in the first round at No. 6 in the PBA Season 47 draft following his stint with San Sebastian.