Friday's Big Weekend Preview

As we barrel toward another weekend, let's take a moment to appreciate getting what we want.

We (normal, non Spurs and Celtics fans) wanted a Heat-Thunder final, and we got it.

We (casual and golf fanatics, alike) wanted to see a US Open in which Tiger Woods would be relevant, and we got that, too.

We've got youth (basketball), we've got superstars coming off of victories (Woods) and as such, we've now got a weekend where you have plenty of excuses to blow off edging the yard.

So, aside from your usual baseball games that eat up hours of your weekend, let's take a look at the other options to maximize your weekend sports viewing. 

US Open

When: All weekend

TV: NBC

Why You Should Watch: Anytime the term "US" immediately precedes the word "Open," it's pretty straightforward why you should be tuning in. Whether it's in Flushing for tennis or San Francisco (like it is this year) for golf, you're guaranteed good viewing. 

But what makes this year better than usual is pretty obvious—Tiger.

Now, as I write this on Thursday afternoon, he's still in it. And hopefully he's still in it come Sunday. Because Tiger makes golf better. He makes it watchable. He gives fans a name they all know (especially considering Phil Mickelson's less-than-stellar start). Plus, The Olympic Club looks great in 1080p.

Euro 2012

When: Saturday and Sunday

TV: ESPN Networks 

Why You Should Watch: Because, given enough time, even a casual fan can get as into it as much as our friend from Poland here. I know because I'm a convert myself. 

Some background: If you work in the B/R office, you almost have no choice but to become a soccer fan. It's on. All the time. Hence, I'm now a soccer fan. Not a huge, rattle-off-info-like-these-dudes fan, but enough that I can become engrossed in the play itself.

And with Euro 2012, the transition hasn't felt forced at all. 

It's so easy (and fun) to get wrapped up in these Euro games. They've been awesome. They've had plays like this. They're way better than watching random baseball games that most people don't care about (sorry, but the Pirates-Indians series won't be making the cut for this list).

Give Sunday's Portugal vs. Netherlands match a shot and see for yourself. 

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Quicken Loans 400

When: Sunday, Noon (ET)

TV: TNT

Why You Should Watch: Astute NASCAR fans will know why I picked a photo of Dale Earnhardt Jr. for this slide, but before I lose the interest of the many who could care less, let me plead my case. A) He's second in the standings right now. Really, he actually is. B) This weekend's race is in Michigan, which is the site of his last Sprint Cup victory...all the way back in 2008. 

Yeah, it's been a long time. It's been especially long for NASCAR, who needs Dale like golf needs Tiger. But you never know; this could be the race where he turns it around and goes to the top of the leaderboard for the season. 

NBA Finals, Game 3

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

TV: ABC

Why You Should Watch: If you saw Game 1, you definitely know why. Watching the Thunder come back from a 13-point deficit was awesome viewing. Aside from Miami and OKC fans, this series is also the best possible outcome for fans who don't have the proverbial horse in the race and just want to watch good baseball.