This Weekend in Sports: NFL Draft’s Day 2 and UFC 159
The 2013 NFL Draft's second day and a marquee UFC bout highlight the upcoming sports calendar. Here's what to watch this weekend:
Friday, April 26
The NFL Draft — Rounds 2 and 3
Radio City Music Hall, New York City; 6:30 p.m. (ET) on NFL Network
The NFL Network brings football fans live coverage of the second and third rounds of the 2013 NFL draft from New York City. While the best prospects may be selected during Thursday's first round, plenty of quarterbacks and running backs should still be on the board for on day 2.
NBA Playoffs: Game 3 — New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
TD Bank Garden, Boston; 8 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
After two convincing victories at home, the New York Knicks lead their first-round, best-of-seven NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics, 2-0. The series shifts to Beantown where Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce will try to cool off Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith of the Knicks.
NBA Playoffs: Game 3 — San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers
Staples Center, Los Angeles; 10:30 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
After two dominant wins at home, the San Antonio Spurs visit the Los Angeles Lakers with a 2-0 lead in this first-round series. Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard must get help from Steve Nash for the Lakers to stay close to the veteran-laden Spurs.
Saturday, April 27
NBA Playoffs Game 4 — Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls
United Center, Chicago; 2 p.m. (ET) on TNT
The Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls spilt two games at the Barclays Center and are returning to Chicago for Thursday's Game 3 in the best-of-seven, first-round NBA playoff series. The teams will meet Saturday in Game 4. Deron Williams has been a force for the Nets, while Joakim Noah has led the Bulls.
NBA Playoffs Game 4 — Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies
FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.; 4:30 p.m. (ET) on TNT
Thanks to Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford, the Los Angeles Clippers have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Memphis Grizzlies in this best-of-seven series. Game 3 is Thursday night, with Game 4 on Saturday afternoon. Marc Gasol and Zack Randolph must power the Grizzlies' attack for Memphis to get back in the series.
Toyota Owners 400
Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Va.; 7:44 p.m. (ET) on Fox
Jimmie Johnson extended his points lead in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings last week. Kasey Kahne and Brad Keselowski are in second and third places, respectively. Kyle Busch won this race in 2012.
UFC 159: Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen
Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.; 10 p.m. (ET) on pay-per-view
Champion Jon Jones will face Chael Sonnen with the UFC light heavyweight title on the line at UFC 159 in Newark on Saturday night. The highly anticipated match pits the quick hands of Jones (17-1) against the grappling and conditioning of Sonnen (27-12-2). Among the matches on the undercard are Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping; Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes; Pat Healy vs. Jim Miller; and Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson.
Sunday, April 28
NBA Playoffs Game 4 — Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
Bradley Center, Milwaukee; 3:30 p.m. (ET) on ABC
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have been very focused as the Miami Heat have jumped out to a two-game series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in this first-round series. Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night. Brandon Jennings will be counted on to help the Bucks rally out of the hole.
Atlanta Braves at Detroit Tigers
Comerica Park, Detroit; 8:05 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
The Atlanta Braves (15-6) bring baseball's best record to Detroit this weekend to face the Tigers (10-9). Atlanta's Kris Medlen (1-2, 2.16) will have to solve Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and the Tigers' lineup, while Detroit's Doug Fister (3-0, 2.00) must deal with brothers B.J. and Justin Upton of the Braves.
NBA Playoffs Game 4 — Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
Oracle Arena, Oakland, Calif.; 9:30 p.m. (ET) on TNT
Stephen Curry leads the Golden State Warriors against Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets. The teams split their games in Denver and will continue their best-of-seven series in Oakland this weekend. Game 3 is slated for Friday night.