NLEX’s manpower problems are starting to get to coach Frankie Lim, main reason he has some nagging worries going to his team’s collision with Meralco Thursday in the PBA Governors Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

A second straight win by the Road Warriors would boost their record to 6-2 and keep them firmly entrenched among the top four, which will be rewarded with a twice-to-beat advantage in the eight-team quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations.

The Bolts are spurred by their own agenda of snapping out of a two-game slide that relegated them to an even 3-3 slate.

A win should also serve Meralco in good stead going to a tough stretch in which it faces Magnolia on Sunday followed by matches against Barangay Ginebra on March 1 and Converge two days later.

How to overcome the Bolts’ pressure while preventing his players from tiring themselves out too much and preserve them for another projected tough match against Rain or Shine on Saturday gnaw at Lim.

“Undermanned pa rin kami, eh, ang hirap laruin kapag ganoon,” said Lim.

“For sure, mahihirapan players. Hindi naman makina mga iyan. Tapos isang araw lang pahinga,” added Lim. “Kung sasagarin mo player against Meralco, ano pa ilalaro noon sa Rain or Shine? Kaya mahirap talaga.”

Sean Anthony’s calf strain will keep him sidelined until late next month, but Mike Miranda and Matt Nieto have started practicing with the other Road Warriors. Miranda suffered a severe ankle sprain that has kept him on civvies since last month while Nieto has sat out three games due to a shoulder injury.

Whether Miranda and Nieto could help also bothers Lim. “In doubt pa kung makakalaro sila, kung nasa kondisyon sila,” admitted Lim. “Kasi kung wala sa kondisyon mga iyon baka maka-perwisyo pa.”

Lim’s short rotation has not prevented NLEX from pulling off a 116-112 decision over Converge last Saturday. But he largely credited that latest win to his players’ guts, something they have to dish out more not only against Meralco but in their other games against Terrafirma on March 2 and San Miguel Beer on March 15.