SCOTTIE Thompson believes Barangay Ginebra will begin to feel the absence of guard and good friend Nards Pinto in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs now that the Kings are up against No. 2 seed Magnolia Hotshots.

The reigning MVP said the Kings need the services of the 32-year-old guard now more than ever as they go up against a Hotshots’ side that is loaded in its backcourt rotation.

Pinto went down with a Grade 2 ankle sprain two weeks ago that already made him miss the team’s final elimination game against Converge and its first round quarterfinals series against NorthPort.

The Kings swept the Batang Pier in their best-of-three duel to arrange an early clash with their long-time rivals.

“Siyempre malaking kawalan especially this playoffs. Energy guy namin siya, e,” said Thompson of Pinto, a fellow Davaoeno.

“Sparkplug din namin yan, pag medyo masama ang laro namin, especially kapag pinasok siya, ang lakas ng impact niya sa game especially on defense.”

Pinto’s foot has been put in an aircast since the injury, although his condition is already getting better by the day, giving him enough hope he’ll be able to suit up in the best-of-five series against the Hotshots.

“Hopefully, makalaro na ako. Everyday naman nagi-improve yung ankle ko,” added the 32-year-old guard out of Arellano University.

Pinto’s absence meant coach Tim Cone will have to designate a different defender on Magnolia shooting guard Paul Lee.

“Nababawasan kami ng defenders sa guards especially sa mga key players (kapag wala siya). Kaya malaking bagay sa amin sin Nards,” added Thompson.

Of course, that photos and videos of Thompson carrying an injured Pinto from the court to the Ginebra bench have become viral following the Kings’ game against the Batang Pier.

The 29-year-old guard said he had to do it since Pinto was unable to walk on his own due to the pain on his ankle.

“Nakita ko kasi yung mukha niya, putlang-putla na, tapos malamig yung pawis niya,” recalled Thompson.

“So, sabi niya pabuhat na,” added the Ginebra guard, who Pinto didn’t recognize as he was agonizing in pain that time.

Thompson had one complaint about his friend later on.

“Sobrang bigat. Ang bigat (pala) nung puwet nun,” he said.