Friday's Big Weekend Preview

What an explosive week we had, literally. If we asked you what a "jet dryer" was seven days ago, how many of you would have shrugged? Be honest. How many of you would have bothered to even bat an eye at the Daytona 500, an event we thought would be good, but certainly not the highlight of the weekend. 

No, we tabbed the NBA All-Star game as the must-watch, and while that delivered with a D-Wade-delivered broken nose and plenty of lobs, it's just can't compare to Juan Pablo Montoya ramming a vehicle strapped with helicopter engine carrying 200 gallons of aircraft-grade kerosene. 

Boom.

This weekend–crazy, insane, unprecedented NASCAR crashes permitting–your must-watch options involve much more than just the race track. If you're hitting the bar with your buddies to watch sports, these are the events you can't miss. 

Heat vs. Lakers

When: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. (ET)

TV: ABC

Why You Should Watch: Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh. Duh. In the NBA, you can't get much more star-power than that on the same court. 

Plus, who wants a little drama? The last time this group of players was together, it was for the NBA All-Star game. You know, the game where Wade put a hard foul on Kobe–hence the mask you see above. Ouch.

These teams played earlier this year and LeBron went off, nearly going triple-double with 31 points, eight boards and eight assists–all while battling flu-like symptoms. 

Can he do it again? Only one way to find out. 

Liverpool vs. Arsenal

When: Saturday, 7:45 a.m. (ET)

TV: ESPN2

Why you should watch: First off, yes, it's early. Real early by a lot of people's standards. But who says you can't do breakfast with your buddies while watching one of the best rivalries not only in soccer, but in all of sports. 

You don't have to be a World Football fan to appreciate the pageantry, athleticism and sheer awesomeness that is EPL Football at its highest level. This is Patriots vs. Giants across the pond, and it only helps that both teams are fighting for a spot in the Champions League. 

UFC on FX

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

TV: FX

Why You Should Watch: Bring on the flyweights! 

Come on, you know UFC is always a great way to unwind with some buds and some brews. And the best part about this one? It's on basic cable. No PPV money, no cover charges at your favorite bar to get in. Yet, you still get all the knockout and submission potential of the big, expensive fights. 

And don't forget about the flyweights. Alves vs. Kampman may be the main event, but the UFC's newest, lightest (that means they have cardio for days) weight class kicks off tonight. They could easily steal the show. 

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Fresh Fit 500

When: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. (ET)

TV: FOX

Why You Should Watch: While what you see above won't ever happen again, there's still plenty of excitement for NASCAR to offer–even when things don't explode like they did at the Daytona 500. 

The traveling show of 900-horsepower car thunder that is the Sprint Cup barrels west to Arizona this weekend, where they trade the super-speedway of Daytona for the flatter, 1-mile oval of Phoenix International Raceway. 

My money's on Jimmie Johnson. 

Duke vs. North Carolina College Basketball

When: Saturday, 7 p.m. (ET) 

TV: ESPN

Why You Should Watch:  

Sorry, Heat/Lakers, you'll always be a great matchup, but we can get our Kobe and LeBron fill another time. If you want to hit the sports bar with your buddies, make it out in prime time on Saturday to watch the best rivalry in college basketball. 

Yes, the best rivalry in college basketball. Bar none. Not arguable. 

Walk outside your office, hit up your roommate, tap the shoulder of the person next to you in the drink line, and ask them to name a college basketball rivalry. Ten bucks they say Duke vs. UNC. It's just so good. It drips with so much tradition, and always has so much on the line.

And this time is no different. The two top-tier, top-10 ranked teams will be battling for the ACC regular-season title. If you wanted an appetizer for the ensuing NCAA tournament, this is it. Consider this game the starter pistol to March Madness. 

Come tip-off Saturday night in Durham, the best sports month of the year gets its official start. Whether you're a Cameron Crazy, a Tar-Heel die-hard or an impartial observer from the Bay Area (writer raises hand), this is the can't-miss moment of the week.