I had a long vacation, 7 days to be exact. I applied for a vacation leave of 4 days, a weekend plus a holiday gave me ample time to rest, be with my family and enjoy. I took some time to watch some games, although I might say that I enjoyed a great deal with my T.V. hours i can't say it bode well for my bets. (see last post here)
First stop. The NBA Playoffs, its now the second round and the bad news is none of the teams I bet on won. So it's going to be pay up time! Let's run down the second round, teams I'm rooting for and my predictions.
Atlanta Hawks Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: The Hawks came out victorious in 7 games against the Heat which means I lost! But I'm actually rooting for the Hawks in this match up. I want to give the new MVP, Lebron James a hard time and make him earn the advancement of his team. The Cavs already won game 1 but I am sure this is going to be a good series as long as Atlanta can adjust their defense. Cavs in 6.
Boston Celtics Vs. Orlando Magic: The Celtics are surely struggling, after slugging it out with Chicago in 7 games, we can't deny the fatigue the team is in. Playing so many overtime periods almost amount another game which if you look at the Magic is well rested and prepared. The Magic already won Game 1 and it's already looking bleak for the defending champs. I say they go out of contention here.Without the enigmatic leader in KG and reliever Leon Powe, and not much help you can get from the bench it sure looks like it's gonna be Magic ins 5.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Houston Rockets: I would have love to see the young Blazers here against the Lakers, but as Houston already stuned LA in Game 1 this one get more interesting. It's going to be down the wire, I love the match up of Ron and Kobe. I would love to see this series go the long way just because these teams produce exciting games. Lakers in 7
Denver Nuggets Vs. Dallas Mavericks: I love the new Nuggets! Im sad that I lost 2 bets as Dallas and Denver advanced, but I'm really happy how this team has improved and yet has not really been noticed. They are a force when their bench plays well, sporting rotations in Anthony Carter, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, and Linas Kleiza are having great games which can be directly attributed by the Starting lineups' great performance. They are already up 2 games against Dallas and are quickly becoming popular after being unnoticed even after posting the 2nd best record in the west. Nuggets in 4
The Hitman got Hit!
Hard and so fast that he never knew what happened just before the end of round 2. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao demolished Ricky Hatton in quick fashion, knocking him out in 2 rounds. I must say I was really disappointed in Hatton, don't get me wrong I believed and rooted for Manny but I was expecting a better fight and not another one-sided mauling. I am not taking any credit away from Hatton, in fact I blame Floyd Mayweather Sr. for his lackluster performance. Roach was all over Pacquiao and surely got everything Manny needs in this fight but Hatton seemed unprepared and stunned of what Manny brought in the ring. Hatton was utterly defenseless, I know Roach would say that he was not surprised but the truth is it was all to easy for Pacman. Hatton was fighting one-dimensionally, was always open for counters and underestimated Manny's deadly power. But that's just the reasons why the fight never lasted long enough. Even if Hatton was prepared and gave a great fight he would still succumbg to Pacquiao in 4 which was my prediction. We can never take away what Manny has accomplished, and how hard and dedicated he was in this fight and all of his fights. Simply said Pacquiao was well prepared, knew what to do and executed everything with pin-point speed, accuracy and power which is why he was a blur to the stunned Hatton.
"Pretty boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. has come out of retirement to face Juan Manuel Marquez, which certainly looks like a warm up to what will be billed as the fight of the century when he eventually faces Pacquiao. Pacquaio doesn't care much who he faces, he leaves everything up to his promoters, Roach would want the fight to be in the 140 lbs. which Floyd will have to go down and reach just to face Pacman. It's not yet cemented yet its almost inevitable that this fight will be billed after floyd wins over Marquez. The world will be waiting and watching for the one who claims to be the best pound-for-pound fighter.
All Set
The UEFA Champions League Final is all set. As an exhilarating Semi-finals played out to leave just two teams standing vying for the coveted silverware. Manchester United was just brilliant in their second leg against Arsenal. Leading with an away goal into the second leg they quickly leap froged into the lead with Park ji-sung capitalizing on a Gibbs error and lifting it past Almunia only 8 minutes in the contest. Just 3 minutes after leading 2-0 on aggregate Ronaldo made it 3 with a magnificent free kick from 40 meters out flashing it on a 2 man wall and past the surprised Almunia on the near post. Manchester United finished it off by a great Counter-attack and great team work between, Park, Rooney and Ronaldo in the 61st minute with Ronaldo finishing it to lead 4-0 on aggregate. The last notable highlight is how Darren Fletcher got red carded for taking down Fabregas in the penalty area giving Arsenal a consolation with Van Persie taking the penalty. But after the replay was shown it was clear that Fletcher got the ball first with a great tackle and then made contact with Fabregas. There is yet to be heard from If they will appeal for the card to be downgraded as Fletcher will be missing the Finals in Rome if the red card stands.
Chelsea and Barcelona square in their second leg in Stamford bridge after a 0-0 draw in Camp Nou. The Match is tight but Chelsea have the attacking mentality and bombards the Barcelona defense with shots and finally taking the lead with Essien's wonderful volley just outside of the penalty area. Barcelona play tight but could not attack and chances are hard to come by, but Chelsea relentlessly attacks and has so many shots and chances on goal but would never score again. On the other hand Barcelona was still searching for the lone goal that could take them to the finals with the away goals rule. A heroic comeback was staged and in one instant Chelsea's hope of meeting Manchester United in the finals vanished when Andres Ineista curled a shot past Peter Cech in the dying second of extra time.
The finals will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on May 27
Predictions: Manchester United will miss Fletcher but Barcelona is more likely to miss the services of Eric Abidal, Daniel Alves and injury to Marquez.
United for the Champions League!
First stop. The NBA Playoffs, its now the second round and the bad news is none of the teams I bet on won. So it's going to be pay up time! Let's run down the second round, teams I'm rooting for and my predictions.
Atlanta Hawks Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: The Hawks came out victorious in 7 games against the Heat which means I lost! But I'm actually rooting for the Hawks in this match up. I want to give the new MVP, Lebron James a hard time and make him earn the advancement of his team. The Cavs already won game 1 but I am sure this is going to be a good series as long as Atlanta can adjust their defense. Cavs in 6.
Boston Celtics Vs. Orlando Magic: The Celtics are surely struggling, after slugging it out with Chicago in 7 games, we can't deny the fatigue the team is in. Playing so many overtime periods almost amount another game which if you look at the Magic is well rested and prepared. The Magic already won Game 1 and it's already looking bleak for the defending champs. I say they go out of contention here.Without the enigmatic leader in KG and reliever Leon Powe, and not much help you can get from the bench it sure looks like it's gonna be Magic ins 5.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Houston Rockets: I would have love to see the young Blazers here against the Lakers, but as Houston already stuned LA in Game 1 this one get more interesting. It's going to be down the wire, I love the match up of Ron and Kobe. I would love to see this series go the long way just because these teams produce exciting games. Lakers in 7
Denver Nuggets Vs. Dallas Mavericks: I love the new Nuggets! Im sad that I lost 2 bets as Dallas and Denver advanced, but I'm really happy how this team has improved and yet has not really been noticed. They are a force when their bench plays well, sporting rotations in Anthony Carter, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, and Linas Kleiza are having great games which can be directly attributed by the Starting lineups' great performance. They are already up 2 games against Dallas and are quickly becoming popular after being unnoticed even after posting the 2nd best record in the west. Nuggets in 4
The Hitman got Hit!
Hard and so fast that he never knew what happened just before the end of round 2. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao demolished Ricky Hatton in quick fashion, knocking him out in 2 rounds. I must say I was really disappointed in Hatton, don't get me wrong I believed and rooted for Manny but I was expecting a better fight and not another one-sided mauling. I am not taking any credit away from Hatton, in fact I blame Floyd Mayweather Sr. for his lackluster performance. Roach was all over Pacquiao and surely got everything Manny needs in this fight but Hatton seemed unprepared and stunned of what Manny brought in the ring. Hatton was utterly defenseless, I know Roach would say that he was not surprised but the truth is it was all to easy for Pacman. Hatton was fighting one-dimensionally, was always open for counters and underestimated Manny's deadly power. But that's just the reasons why the fight never lasted long enough. Even if Hatton was prepared and gave a great fight he would still succumbg to Pacquiao in 4 which was my prediction. We can never take away what Manny has accomplished, and how hard and dedicated he was in this fight and all of his fights. Simply said Pacquiao was well prepared, knew what to do and executed everything with pin-point speed, accuracy and power which is why he was a blur to the stunned Hatton.
"Pretty boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. has come out of retirement to face Juan Manuel Marquez, which certainly looks like a warm up to what will be billed as the fight of the century when he eventually faces Pacquiao. Pacquaio doesn't care much who he faces, he leaves everything up to his promoters, Roach would want the fight to be in the 140 lbs. which Floyd will have to go down and reach just to face Pacman. It's not yet cemented yet its almost inevitable that this fight will be billed after floyd wins over Marquez. The world will be waiting and watching for the one who claims to be the best pound-for-pound fighter.
All Set
The UEFA Champions League Final is all set. As an exhilarating Semi-finals played out to leave just two teams standing vying for the coveted silverware. Manchester United was just brilliant in their second leg against Arsenal. Leading with an away goal into the second leg they quickly leap froged into the lead with Park ji-sung capitalizing on a Gibbs error and lifting it past Almunia only 8 minutes in the contest. Just 3 minutes after leading 2-0 on aggregate Ronaldo made it 3 with a magnificent free kick from 40 meters out flashing it on a 2 man wall and past the surprised Almunia on the near post. Manchester United finished it off by a great Counter-attack and great team work between, Park, Rooney and Ronaldo in the 61st minute with Ronaldo finishing it to lead 4-0 on aggregate. The last notable highlight is how Darren Fletcher got red carded for taking down Fabregas in the penalty area giving Arsenal a consolation with Van Persie taking the penalty. But after the replay was shown it was clear that Fletcher got the ball first with a great tackle and then made contact with Fabregas. There is yet to be heard from If they will appeal for the card to be downgraded as Fletcher will be missing the Finals in Rome if the red card stands.
Chelsea and Barcelona square in their second leg in Stamford bridge after a 0-0 draw in Camp Nou. The Match is tight but Chelsea have the attacking mentality and bombards the Barcelona defense with shots and finally taking the lead with Essien's wonderful volley just outside of the penalty area. Barcelona play tight but could not attack and chances are hard to come by, but Chelsea relentlessly attacks and has so many shots and chances on goal but would never score again. On the other hand Barcelona was still searching for the lone goal that could take them to the finals with the away goals rule. A heroic comeback was staged and in one instant Chelsea's hope of meeting Manchester United in the finals vanished when Andres Ineista curled a shot past Peter Cech in the dying second of extra time.
The finals will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on May 27
Predictions: Manchester United will miss Fletcher but Barcelona is more likely to miss the services of Eric Abidal, Daniel Alves and injury to Marquez.
United for the Champions League!
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