Friday's Big Weekend Preview

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This space was supposed to be reserved for horse racing, and why you would be a fool for not watching the Belmont Stakes.

There was going to be a paragraph about history, and another about excitement for I'll Have Another chasing the first Triple Crown since 1978. It was going to be good, well, at least semi-readable stuff. 

So much for that. Bummer.

Not all is lost, however—not after LeBron went off against the Celtics. Sports fans live for Game 7's, and we have a great one this weekend, plus a couple of other things, too.

This weekend is more than salvageable from a watching-sports standpoint. 

Stanley Cup Finals: Game 5

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When: Saturday, 8 p.m. (ET)

TV: NBC

Why You Should Watch:

Well, somebody has to.

All facetiousness about the subterranean ratings aside, this game could officially turn things from a Kings' rout to a legit series if the Devils can win.

Going into Game 4, a sweep seemed imminent. But if Jersey can take this one, who knows what can happen? 

My money's still on the Kings – and their awesome Twitter feed.

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Pocono 400

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When: Sunday, 9 a.m. (ET)

TV: TNT

Why You Should Watch:

Is this the most exciting track on the NASCAR circuit? No. And, in all honesty, it's not even close.

Still, there's some intrigue here for the big boys of stock car racing, as the infamous "tunnel turn" of this track can send professionals skidding around like kids playing bumper cars.

On top of that, this track is hypnotic: Turn it on, watch the beginning, grab a nap, wake up, and then watch the final laps. Easy. 

Pacquiao vs. Bradley

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When: Saturday, 9 p.m. (ET)

TV: PPV

Why You Should Watch:

Yes, it's not "The Superfight." This we know.

So, once you can get over that, here's 15 great reasons why this is a must-see pay-per-view.

Belmont Stakes

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When: Saturday, 6:40 p.m. (ET: post time)

TV: NBC

Why You Should Watch:

Because it only takes a few minutes. Aside from that, we're not going to over-reach and come up with a faux hook to convince you to flip over.

This whole I'll Have Another news is a massive letdown, but the Belmont is still a big sporting event this weekend—even if interest has dropped off the map. 

Euro 2012

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When: All weekend

TV: ESPN

Why You Should Watch:

Even if you're not a huge soccer fan, it's tough not to get sucked into this tournament. It's just that good, and that fun to watch. There's a reason ESPN acquired the rights to air these games. 

Germany vs. Portugal on Saturday? Grab a seat (or better yet, a barstool) and enjoy. 

Celtics vs. Heat: Game 7

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

When: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. (ET)

TV: ESPN

Why You Should Watch:

Obvious. This is can't-miss sports viewing. Whatever you have to do on Saturday, get it done early or skip it entirely. Don't let anything get in the way of watching this game.

Mow the lawn in the morning. Save the Home Depot run for Sunday. Send your kids to a friend's house, and make their parents deal with the distraction. It's just necessary. 

I'm not going to run any of the errands I have to on Saturday. I have a date with a flatscreen, and you should, too.