Friday's Big Weekend Preview

Last week was all about horse racing, as the nation collectively took a much-needed break from watching riveting events like the Utah Jazz vs. Spurs series and turned its attention to Churchill Downs for an afternoon. Well, or you were like me and flipped it over for the two minutes of actual action, went "that's neat" when it was over, then changed the channel. (See you at post time for the Preakness, Sport of Kings...)

Things are back to normal now, as mint juleps and funky hats and "what the heck is Tom Brady wearing?" are no longer part of the sporting discussion. Nope, this is a meat-and-potatoes-type week: playoff basketball and hockey. Big hitters on Sunday Night Baseball. Cars getting Darlington Stripes. In all, a simple weekend of sports enjoyment during which you can relax and knock a few back.

Just don't forget to call your mom on Sunday. 

NBA Playoffs

When: All Weekend 

TV: ABC, ESPN, TNT

Why You Should Watch: Because Kobe will make faces like this until you do. In reality, we're starting to get to the point where in the semi, semi-casual basketball fans should flip on the TV and catch a game. Even my roommate, whose sports knowledge and interest doesn't extend beyond the big-name starters on the 49ers, flipped on the flat screen and watched his first game of the year last season. 

Time to get with it. Once we're left with nothing but baseball come July, you're going to regret not getting an NBA fix. 

NHL Playoffs: Rangers vs. Capitals, Game 7

When (If Necessary): Saturday, 7:30 p.m. (ET) 

TV: NBC Networks 

Why You Should Watch: We'll, if you're a Capitals fan, you were hoping this game wouldn't exist. But alas, we're here, and in prime time with a ticket to the conference finals on the line. Washington's faithful may not like it, and you may not have known about it considering hockey coverage doesn't exactly take over SportsCenter, but this game shows why the battle for the Stanley Cup is one of the most entertaining in all of sports. 

Ultimate Fighter Quarterfinals

When: Friday, 10 p.m. (ET)

TV: FX 

Why You Should Watch: Things are better when they're free. Nobody should have an argument there. For instance, last week we got UFC on Fox 3 beamed into our living rooms gratis. This week—and all the weeks leading up to this—we've had basic cable hooking us up with live MMA fights. 

TUF's format change has helped satisfy MMA fans' thirst for more live action, and it's only going to get better as the competition on the uber-successful reality show continues. 

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Southern 500

When: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. (ET)

TV: Fox

Why You Should Watch: Darlington.

Well, NASCAR fans know that's enough. Just say "Darlington" and they'll make sure to grab a spot on the couch. The odd-shaped track is a challenge for all drivers—hence the famous Darlington Stripe—and remains a classic venue that many fans think should get more than one race a year, like in the past, before people were put to sleep by tracks like California Speedway.

And it's on a Saturday. You really think NASCAR would run on Mother's Day. That just ain't polite.  

MLB: Los Angeles Angles at Texas Rangers

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

TV: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: As you may have heard, Josh Hamilton had a slightly above-average game earlier this week (5-for-5, 4 HR, 2B) that made some waves in the media. Well, now you have a chance to see him if you live outside of Texas or are sick of staring at your laptop's screen with the MLB package. 

And the fact he'll be opposite another big-name slugger whose struggling (Pujols) gives it the opportunity to be that much more entertaining.