Justin Melton, Paul Lee to suit up for Magnolia in PBA restart

Justin Melton will be back in action for Magnolia after missing the Hotshots’ first four games of the new PBA season due to a minor hamstring injury.

Head coach Chito Victolero revealed that the 34-year old guard was already poised to make his return following the team’s win over Terrafirma last July 25 but was cut short after the league decided to suspend the ongoing conference due to the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in the country.

“Si Justin babalik na siya, and nag-eensayo na rin siya,” said Victolero.

“Actually, nakuha niya yun (injury) sa practice before our first game,” he added.

Melton underwent a two-week rehabilitation period after sustaining the injury and is expected to be in full strength for the league restart in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Another bit of good news for the 2014 PBA Grand Slam champions is the full recovery of Paul Lee.

Lee, who submitted averages of 16.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2 assists in the first four games, sustained a right hamstring injury during the game against the Dyip but has since recovered over the course of the month-long break.

“He will play tomorrow (Wednesday),” quipped Victolero.