One of the greatest weekends ever...

I just need you to understand the way I feel right now about the upcoming weekend. We have arguably 3 of the greatest sporting events that can happen going on in one evening. The Kentucky Derby, Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton fight for the Junior Welterweight Championship of the World, and then...Game 7, Bulls vs. Celtics. Maybe the greatest (opening) round series of all-time.

Those are just the 3 big events for the weekend. I'll break all of the events down for the weekend and make sure you know what's what.

Must See Friday
Hawks vs. Heat, Game 6 in Miami, Hawks up 3-2 - This series should probably be getting more love than it has, but when you've got that slobber-knocker that's going on between Beantown and Chi-town, the focus might miss this series just a bit. This has been a supremely intense series, ESPN.com says that there have been 100 fouls called in the last 2 games. Dwyane Wade has hit the deck frequently, and the Heat have defended him justly. (Did you all see the Jammal Magloire sighting on Wednesday?) However, someone's going to need to step up for the Heat to force a game 7 back in ATL. Jermaine O'Neal is the key (all the Heat fans just threw up in their mouth) as in the 2 wins he's averaged 20.5 ppg, 8 rpg, & 3.5 blocks to boot. In 3 losses, 13 ppg, 3.6 rpg, & 0.6 blocks. The pick? D-Wade goes for 40 tonight, Heat win.

Honorable Mention: MLB - NY Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies, NHL - 2nd Round Playoffs, Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings

Must See Saturday
The Kentucky Derby - If you've never kicked it in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, then you are missing out. I've been roughly invited to about 37 house parties this Saturday (sorry, not going to any of them) and been invited to actually go down to the Derby itself. I've never seen so many people get together to do stuff BEFORE THE ACTUAL RACE quite like this event. People will be playing cornhole (its a midwest thing, look it up), drinking mojitos (YES), and grilling all types of food that might have swine flu in it (Jesus help us), have fun at this event. I'm putting my money on Pioneerof The Nile to win, get at me!


Pacquiao vs. Hatton - This fight is going to be one for the ages. Boxing has gotten a bad rap because some of its more recent champions (Floyd, Roy Jones) took more pride in not getting hit then making it more entertaining and engaging in a good fight. Well my friends, you will not have that problem with these two fighters. Pacquiao (from the Phillipines) and Hatton (from the UK) are both, what Lil Scrappy might say, some headbustas. They do not mince words or punches, and should be a good benchmark for Pac-man as this fight would do wonders for his legacy, meanwhile for Hatton it would solidify his place in the boxing circle. One of the best fighters, or one that can't get over the hump. PAY THE $55 (get it in HD) AND WATCH THIS FIGHT!! The pick? Pacquiao KO in Round 10.


Bulls vs. Celtics, Game 7 in Boston, Series tied 3-3 - I feel really bad for you if you've missed out on this series. I'm going on record right now in saying that this series is neck and neck with the Kings-Lakers series in the Western Semis for greatest series I've seen in the last 15 years. Boston is on wounded knee, yet The Truth and Jesus (Shuttlesworth) have strapped the C's on their back, can they do it one more time? How about Beans Gordon, Pooh Bear Rose, Salmons, Noah, Hinrich, and the rest of the Unbelieva-Bulls? Remember that this team is 18-11 after the Brad Miller/John Salmons trade, and how hard was it for Miller to knock down 5 consecutive free throws in the 4th quarter and 3 OT's? I've heard that Ken won't be watching the game, he can't bring himself to do it. However, stop whatever your doing and watch this game, could go down in history as something special. Who do I have? Bulls 95, Celtics 93.

Honorable Mention: NHL - 2nd Round Playoffs, Pittsburgh Penguins (Sid the Kid) vs. Washington Capitals (Ovechkin) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis (this should be epic, trust me)

Must See Sunday
Hawks vs. Heat, Game 7 (if necessary) - For our entertainment, lets hope it goes 7.
Dallas at Denver, Game 1 of the Western Conference Semis - This series has the chance of keeping up with the Bulls/Celtics series. To have the chance to see K-Mart go up against Dirk might be a highlight within itself. The Nuggs totally took the heart and soul away from the Hornets, and the Mavs might've ended a dynasty in San Antonio. Plus, the JKidd vs. Chauncey matchup should be fun too. Oh boy.

Honorable Mention: Tiger goes for win #1 in Quail Hollow - Tiger's baaaaaack. The PGA shall feel the wrath of Tiger Woo (that's what I call him) this summer. Look out.

ANYTHING I FORGOT? WHAT ARE YOU ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND? LET US KNOW, AND BE SAFE!

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com