Basketball fans in Isabela are in for a treat as Justin Brownlee officially suits up for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL). His debut is set for Saturday, December 6, when the Bolts face the Macau Black Bears in a rematch at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City.
Recent practice sessions showed Brownlee in full Bolts gear, working alongside teammates including Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero. This marks the first time Brownlee and Hollis-Jefferson, longtime rivals in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), will share the court as teammates.
Brownlee’s Recent Form
Before joining Meralco, Brownlee starred for Gilas Pilipinas, leading the national team to a commanding 95-71 victory over Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. He posted an impressive stat line: 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
His availability for the EASL had been uncertain due to national team commitments, including missing the November 15 clash against Macau in Cebu. Despite his absence, Meralco dominated that game, winning 92-74, thanks to Hollis-Jefferson’s 34 points and Romero’s record-setting 28 rebounds.
Currently, the Bolts sit second in Group B with a 2-2 record, trailing the Taoyuan Pilots but ahead of the Ryukyu Golden Knights.
Betting on Basketball in the Philippines: Offshore Sportsbooks
While the Philippines has a regulated gambling industry overseen by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), local laws restrict online sports betting operators from directly offering services to Filipino residents. As a result, many fans turn to online basketball sportsbooks to wager on basketball events like the EASL.
- Accessibility: Offshore platforms allow Filipinos to place bets on international leagues, including the EASL, NBA, and FIBA tournaments.
- Variety of Odds: Bettors can wager on point spreads, totals, player props, and futures involving teams like Meralco Bolts or Gilas Pilipinas.
- Popular Choices: Well-known offshore sites often provide competitive odds and promotions tailored to Southeast Asian markets, making them attractive to basketball fans.
If you choose to bet on basketball this season, we suggest you check out our online sportsbook reviews, where we detail each site’s legal status, betting options, bonuses, and rewards, alongside other notable options.
