RAIN or Shine expects import Greg Smith 2nd to play when the Elasto Painters clash with the Magnolia Hotshots in a battle between two streaking squads today, February 22, in the 2022-23 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Game time is 5:45 p.m.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said they expect to receive the letter of clearance by Wednesday morning, which will give Smith the green light to see action versus Magnolia.

“We should be getting the clearance tomorrow morning, eh medyo matagal din na maghintay kami,” Guiao told The Manila Times on Tuesday. “I think he can play, pero ‘di mo masabi until lumabas ang dokumento.”

Under the usual protocol for imports, FIBA rules require players to secure a clearance from their previous team and the national federation, which will be the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The American import last played for Leones de Santo Domingo at the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto of the Dominican Republic in 2021.

Smith, who debuted with 38 points in leading Rain or Shine to a 122-117 triumph against Blackwater more than a week ago, was forced to sit out against Terrafirma on February 16.

Fortunately, the Elasto Painters drew big games from Andrei Caracut and veteran Gabe Norwood as they eked out a 120-118 escape act against the Dyip.

“Mas kailangan namin siya, though nanalo naman kami [against Terrafirma], pero hirap na hirap kami,” said Guiao, whose team has won back-to-back games after opening the conference at 0-4.

“Magnolia is playing better, and I don’t think we can replicate that [win without an import] every time,” he added.

His concern, he said, is the impact of Magnolia import Antonio Hester, who is an unselfish player and yet gets the job done.

“Ang maganda kay Hester he’s not a ball hog. He doesn’t disrupt their offense because number one, he does not need to touch the ball and hog the ball so their offense goes smoothly,” Guiao said, noting Hester’s impact at Magnolia, which comes into the game with a three-game winning streak.

“Number two is efficient siya because he doesn’t need many shots or score in the 30s, and that means other scoring opportunities are distributed to his teammates, and they will love that.”

Hester averaged solid numbers of 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.0 steals for the Hotshots.