The 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season is entering its final stretch. In September, there’s no room for error, with every game directly affecting playoff seeding. Which teams are likely to feature in the tournament’s decisive games? Find out in the 1xBet review.
Abra Weavers as North’s heavy favorite
The current standings clearly indicate who is most likely to represent the North Division in the national finals. The defending champion Abra Weavers is having a phenomenal season, winning 22 of its first 23 games and virtually securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.
A year ago, they won 28 of 29 regular-season games, followed by 10 wins in 10 playoff games. A historic level of dominance! It is no surprise that Abra Weavers became the first MPBL club to compete in the East Asia Super League.
Who could challenge Abra in the division? The main contenders are San Juan Knights and Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, with the Knights appearing to have a slight edge. San Juan will be looking to make up for last year’s playoff disappointment, when the division semifinal favorite suffered a surprise loss to the Pangasinan Heatwaves. Moreover, the team boasts the best three-point shooting percentage (36%), which could prove crucial in key moments. Even the favorite, Abra Weavers, has a lower percentage at 34.4%. The Knights also lead the league in assists during the regular season, suggesting that their success is less reliant on individual performances.
South’s power balance
Unlike the North, the South Division in 2026 is an equation with several unknowns. Their race at the top of the standings is so tight that the positions could change after every game. With only a few rounds remaining, just three wins separate the leaders from the edge of the playoff zone.
In this situation, it makes sense to consider the teams that have already enjoyed success among the favorites. The Quezon Huskers won both the regular season and their half of the playoff bracket last year before losing in the finals. They were also the best team in the South during the 2024 playoffs, so they have enough experience.
However, it’s too early to predict a run to the finals, especially with Biñan Tatak Gel and Cebu Greats emerging as the division’s most consistent teams this season. Both enter the final stretch of the regular season with the most wins, and home-court advantage could play a significant role in the playoffs.
But the South’s defining feature is its remarkably balanced field, with every team capable of springing a surprise. Whoever handles the pressure best in September and enters the playoffs in the strongest mental state will have a significant advantage.
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