We love these weekends because this one has something for everyone.

A rematch of the biggest rivalry in college basketball. Two of the NBA’s most iconic franchises clash on Sunday afternoon. Team USA's baseball Dream Team opens the World Baseball Classic and two of the most beloved fighters in MMA history finally get the rematch that’s been in the making for over a decade.

Here’s your weekend preview starting with what matters most.

The stakes: This rivalry needs no introduction, but the backstory heading into Saturday's rematch is as good as it’s been in a long time. UNC came into this matchup last month as clearly the inferior team on paper, but UNC’s Seth Trimble hit a corner three with 0.4 seconds left to stun the top-ranked Blue Devils and win 71-68. Duke has rattled off 7 straight wins since then and sits at 28-2, undefeated at home (14-0). Saturday is their last regular season game, and they want revenge. For North Carolina, where they land in the NCAA Tournament bracket is still being decided and a win over the #1 team in the country on the road would go a long way with the committee that sets the bracket next week.

What to watch for: Caleb Wilson's status is the biggest question in college basketball right now. UNC's freshman phenom and a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft fractured his hand on February 10 and has been sidelined ever since. He's been progressing and has indicated Saturday as his targeted return. If he plays and looks like himself, UNC is a legitimate threat. If he can't go, the spotlight falls on other UNC stars, Henri Veesaar and Seth Trimble who have picked up the slack in his absence. Watch whether UNC’s starters can handle the crowd at Cameron Indoor in a very hostile environment.

The Betting Angle [Powered by WagerXpert]: We project Duke to open as a 12.5 point favorite. Vegas will take the revenge factor into account, and Duke is a perfect 14-0 at home this season while UNC has been inconsistent on the road going 5-5. These rivalry games tend to be close but a highly motivated Duke squad at home in the regular season finale is a tough spot for a Carolina team that may or may not have its best player. Expect Duke to win comfortably, even if UNC keeps it interesting at times in this game.

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The stakes: Two of the NBA’s most iconic franchises meet on Sunday afternoon with real playoff consequences on the line. The Knicks (40-23) are within striking distance of the 2 seed in the East and a more favorable first-round matchup. The Lakers (37-24) are in a tighter race in the West, where falling into the play-in means one elimination game could end their season before the playoffs officially begin. The last time these teams met, New York handled LA 112-100 at MSG. The Lakers are at home now, and they haven’t forgotten how the last matchup went down.

What to watch for: The last time these teams met, Luka Doncic put up 30 points and the Lakers still lost by 12. Part of the reason was because Jalen Brunson facilitated all game racking up 13 assists making them nearly impossible to stop. Watch whether the Lakers make adjustments to take the ball out of Brunson's hands rather than just trying to outscore New York. If they don't, Luka can drop 40 and they might lose again.

The Betting Angle [Powered by WagerXpert]: We project this one to open as essentially a coin flip, with the Knicks as -1.5 favorites despite being the away team. The Knicks may be the better team on paper, but on the road they haven’t fared as well. They're 13-18 against the spread away from MSG failing to cover in more than 60% of away games. Throw in the Lakers' home court advantage and the fact that LA has a loss to avenge, and this has the makings of a bounce-back spot for the home team.

The stakes: The World Baseball Classic is back for the first time since 2023. The tournament, held every four years, brings together 20 national teams with top MLB players competing for their home countries across four pools of five teams each. Team USA is bringing its most complete roster in tournament history. This is the Dream Team featuring stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr. and Tarik Skubal. Japan knocked them out in the 2023 final (Ohtani striking out Trout to end it, one of the most cinematic moments in recent sports history). The door is wide open for a USA redemption run.

What to watch for: Brazil has no MLB players on its roster and qualified for the WBC for the first time since 2013. Friday's opener is less about the result and more about watching this roster click into gear. Skenes and Skubal are two of baseball's best pitchers, and how they're deployed across pool play will matter when the knockout rounds arrive.

Looking Ahead (Full Schedule): The real storyline of this tournament isn't just whether Team USA wins, it's whether they can get revenge on Japan. The defending champions are back and Vegas has them as the second most favored team in the field, trailing only the USA. A USA-Japan final is the matchup the baseball world wants, and with the Dominican Republic and Venezuela also lurking as contenders, the knockout rounds starting March 13 will be must-watch television. Friday is the opening but keep your eyes on the bracket to see how the tournament unfolds.

The stakes: Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are two of the most beloved fighters in the UFC, and Saturday night they meet for the BMF (the "Baddest Mother F***er") belt, the UFC's highest honor for its most fearless and exciting fighters. Holloway claimed it with one of the most iconic knockouts in recent memory, and now he defends it against a man he's had unfinished business with since 2015, when a fluke injury ended their first fight before it really got going. Both men have spent the years since building legacies that belong in the greatest ever conversation. Holloway owns the all-time UFC record for significant strikes, Oliveira the record for most submissions in history. Two legends, one belt, and a rivalry that never got its proper ending.

What to watch for: Two completely different paths to a finish. Oliveira needs to get the fight to the ground, his submission game is elite and he's been knocked out before by heavy strikers. Holloway will look to use his volume striking and pressure to keep the fight standing and break Oliveira down over five rounds. If Oliveira can't close the distance and drag this to the mat, Holloway's hands will be a serious problem.

The Betting Angle [Powered by WagerXpert]: Holloway opened as a considerable favorite (-230) and it's easy to see why. His striking volume is unmatched and he's proven he can handle elite competition at the highest level. But Oliveira is never someone you dismiss. He's been a live underdog before and has the submission arsenal to end this fight at any moment. If you're looking for value, Oliveira on the moneyline is the play as anything can happen between these two legends and Oliveira doesn't need to out box Holloway, he just needs one opening.

Must-watch:

Worth tuning in:

4. WBC: USA vs. Brazil (Friday 8:00pm, FOX) — First game for the most talented American baseball roster we’ve seen

— Backdrop Sports

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