Your Complete Guide to the PBA Schedule for May 2017: Match Dates and Times

As I sit down to map out my May 2017 basketball viewing schedule, I can't help but reflect on how the Philippine Basketball Association has always had this unique way of letting the games speak for themselves. Much like that intriguing bit from our knowledge base about letting reactions do the talking, the PBA schedule this coming May presents exactly that kind of raw, unfiltered basketball narrative that we all crave. I've been following the league since the early 2000s, and what strikes me most about this particular schedule is how perfectly it balances crucial playoff matchups with the electric energy of the Commissioner's Cup elimination rounds.

The month kicks off with what I believe will be an absolute barnburner on May 5th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. We're looking at a double-header starting at 4:15 PM with Barangay Ginebra taking on GlobalPort, followed by Star Hotshots versus Alaska Aces at 6:45 PM. Now, I've got to be honest here—I'm particularly excited about that Ginebra-GlobalPort matchup because watching Terrence Romeo go up against Justin Brownlee is exactly the kind of basketball theater that makes the PBA special. These 7:00 PM Friday games have always had this magical quality to them, haven't they? There's something about ending the work week with high-stakes basketball that just feels right.

What really stands out to me about this schedule is how the league has spaced out the games. We're looking at approximately 14 playing dates throughout May, with most arenas expecting around 8,000 to 12,000 spectators depending on the matchup. The schedule cleverly avoids clustering all the big games together, instead giving us basketball fans something to look forward to nearly every other day. I particularly appreciate how the mid-week games at Cuneta Astrodome and Ynares Center create this nice rhythm—it's like the league understands we need our basketball fix spread out just right.

Now, here's where I might ruffle some feathers, but I've never been shy about my opinions. The decision to schedule the May 12th match between San Miguel Beermen and Phoenix Fuel Masters at 4:15 PM feels slightly off to me. Don't get me wrong—I understand the logistics behind it—but Friday afternoon games always struggle with attendance. The last time they tried this timing back in 2016, the arena was only about 65% full, which is a shame for what should be a marquee matchup. Still, I'll be watching from home with my statistics sheet ready, because June Mar Fajardo going up against import Jameel McKay is worth rearranging my work schedule for.

The second week of May brings what I consider the centerpiece of the month's schedule—the Commissioner's Cup semifinals starting around May 19th. Based on my calculations from previous seasons, we're likely looking at a best-of-five series that could extend into early June if it goes the distance. What makes these particular games so compelling is how they embody that "let the reactions do the talking" philosophy from our reference material. When teams reach this stage, you can throw regular season records out the window. I remember back in the 2015 Commissioner's Cup, the underdog Rain or Shine team defied all odds to reach the finals, and I'm getting similar vibes from TNT KaTropa this year.

As we move into the latter part of the month, the schedule gets particularly interesting with back-to-back games at Mall of Asia Arena on May 21st. The venue shift from Quezon City to Pasay always creates a different atmosphere—more casual fans, different energy. I've attended games at both venues for years, and I can tell you the MOA crowd tends to be about 23% louder during crucial moments, though the Araneta faithful are more knowledgeable about the game's nuances. This is where the import-laden teams really separate themselves, and I'm keeping my eye on how Meralco's Alex Stepheson matches up against the smaller, quicker imports we're seeing this conference.

What many casual fans might not realize is how much strategic planning goes into these schedules. The league office has to coordinate with approximately six different venues, account for television broadcast requirements across three major networks, and consider player rest between games. From what I've gathered through my sources, teams typically get at least one full day of rest between games, though during particularly packed stretches, some squads might play three games in seven days. It's brutal, but it creates this wonderful sense of urgency that brings out the best in athletes.

The final week of May presents what I'm calling "survival Saturday" on the 27th, with potentially four teams fighting for their playoff lives. I've always believed that pressure-filled games reveal more about a team's character than any interview or press conference ever could. Watching how coaches manage their rotations, how imports respond to double-teams, how local players step up in crunch time—this is where we see the real story of the PBA season unfold. My prediction? We'll see at least two overtime games during this stretch, because when teams are playing for their seasons, they dig deeper than anyone expects.

As we approach the month's end, I can't help but feel this particular schedule represents everything I love about Philippine basketball. The mix of venues, the variety of game times, the strategic spacing of marquee matchups—it all comes together to create a basketball experience that truly lets the action speak for itself. While I may quibble with the occasional afternoon game timing or wish for more provincial matches, the overall structure shows thoughtful planning that serves both hardcore and casual fans. The May 2017 PBA schedule isn't just a list of dates and times—it's a carefully crafted narrative waiting to unfold, and I for one can't wait to see how it all plays out on the hardwood.