TNT hit hard ahead of the playoffs as Calvin Oftana’s status is in jeopardy due to an ankle sprain

The TNT Tropang Giga’s bid for an elusive Grand Slam has been dealt a major blow ahead of the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup playoffs, as star forward Calvin Oftana’s availability remains uncertain.

Oftana sprained his ankle in the second half of Tropang Giga’s final elimination-round game against the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, June 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Reports indicate that the injury is a “high-grade sprain” which has turned purple. According to sports-health.com, this discoloration suggests that “small blood vessels are damaged and blood leaks into the tissues.”

Oftana’s status remains “day-to-day,” with Philippine publication Spin stating, “The ankle is still swollen, and he has difficulty walking.”

Calvin Oftana would be raking in so much more money if he was playing in Japan or Korea. He’d undoubtedly be 1 of the highest paid Filipino Asian imports by virtue of being a 6’5 sf & a member of Gilas.

Whatever his salary with Tnt is, he could be making 2x the amount overseas.

— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) June 13, 2025

The forward has been integral to Tropang Giga’s sixth-place finish in the Philippine Cup standings, averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game across 11 appearances this conference, while shooting 42.3 percent from three-point range.

Oftana’s injury is the latest setback to hamper TNT’s Grand Slam hopes, as star player Jayson Castro has been ruled out for the remainder of Season 49 with a right knee injury, while Rey Nambatac has been sidelined with a groin issue.

Tropang Giga will face a Magnolia Hotshots team that finished second in the elimination round of the Philippine Cup in the quarterfinals. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

It remains to be seen whether TNT’s management will choose to field an unfit Oftana in the quarterfinals, given the high stakes for the franchise.

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