His name is Bobert Paulson. His name is Bobert Paulson. His name is Bobert Paulson.
Its that time of the sports calendar where you realize the sports calendar is going to be really sad for a bit in the not-too distant future. Good news! That future is not yet now. Here’s what to watch this weekend.
All Weekend Long At Odd Hours
Australian Open Tennis
- What: Its tennis.
- Where: Its ‘Stralia; ESPN 2
- When: All weekend long. I just said so.
- Why: Both men and women will play. Hot women in the stands will be shown for no other reason than that they are hot.
Friday
Los Angeles Clippers at Miami Heat
- What: NBA Basketball.
- Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida; ESPN
- When: 7:00 pm CST
- Why: The Clippers are title favorites or co-title favorites, and play extremely good basketball when motivated. The Miami Heat are the surprise of the East, sitting second in the conference behind the Bucks. Jimmy Butler might also do something dumb.
Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers
- What: NBA Basketball
- Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia Pennsylvania; ABC
- When: 7:30 pm CST
- Why: The Lakers are the other title favorite or co-title favorite. The Sixers are disappointing on the year, but at any given time Joel Embiid can be the best player in the game and dominate proceedings. The Lakers have a lot of big bodies to throw at Mr. Embiid. The Sixers are the subject of constant rumors concerning trades of their other star, Ben Simmons, and LeBron James has been known to be overly complementary of his playing chops.
UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Dos Santos
- What: Mixed Martial Arts competition.
- Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
- When: Preliminary Card: 4:00 PM CST; Main Card 7:00 pm CST; ESPN+
- Why: For a “free” card, it isn’t bad. The Main Event features two fighters who can close the show, and is an opportunity for the 12-2 Curtis Blaydes to put out a former champion and continue to make an argument for a title fight. As the world no. 3 in heavyweight rankings, he has been making noise for a while now. Meanwhile, Dos Santos is a crowd favorite hoping to show he isn’t washed. Both men suffered their last loss against Francis Ngannou, who is large and scary. Its a chance to set pecking order. The last fight of the undercard is probably even better, when no. 5 welterweight Rafael Souza dos Anjos battles with Michael Chiesa.
Sunday
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans
- What: NBA Basketball
- Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans Louisiana; ESPN
- When: 5:00 pm CST
- Why: Zion. The Celtics also have young players who are good. But really, Zion.
NFL Pro Bowl
Just kidding. Don’t do this.