Weekly Watch
Virginia vs. Oregon
Fri. 12/17 at 8 p.m.
After a 10-day layoff, the Cavaliers are ready to take their 6-3 record into a non-conference match-up with Oregon at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia has won its last three contests, including victories over No. 17 Minnesota and Virginia Tech — both on the road. The club has three players that have averaged scoring in double figures. That trio is led by Mike Scott, who hauls in 10.4 rebounds per game to go along with his 16.3 point per game output. Oregon, more recognized this year for their performances on the football field, have also won three in a row — albeit against far less superior competition. However, two of the Ducks’ three losses have come against top-ranked Duke and Missouri — previously in the top 10.
Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins
Sat. 12/18 at 7 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet
While it’s been a rough go for Washington D.C. sports teams as of late, no team has more to be confused about than the Capitals. Although they still lead the Southeast Division, their lead has shrunk significantly due to a six-game losing drought as of Tuesday morning. That includes a 7-0 drubbing by the New York Rangers on Dec. 12 at Madison Square Garden. It is a must for Washington to get back on track against a Bruins team that leads the league in goals against, as its gets ready for a pair of showdowns with the Penguins in the coming weeks.
Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat
Sat. 12/18 at 7 p.m. on NBA TV
At Thanksgiving, when looking at the road ahead, it appeared to be ominous — and that’s what it has turned out to be. The Wizards have run into the likes of the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks. Since Turkey Day, Washington is 1-8. That doesn’t even include Tuesday’s hosting of the Lakers (which we’ll assume didn’t go well for Flip Saunders and company) nor a visit from the most powerful trio in the NBA. It seems as if LeBron James’ return to Cleveland was just the tonic he and his club needed. Miami has won nine straight and look as good as their press clippings.
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Sun. 12/19 at 1 p.m. on FOX
In the 1970s, it was rare that a meeting between the Redskins and the Cowboys would have little meaning. But that has certainly been the case more than a few times in the last 10 years. The main reason is due to the inept play of the burgundy and gold. But this season, both are enduring hard times. Dallas has seen its head coach get the boot and its quarterback go down with an injury. However, they seem to be playing far better under interim leader Jason Garrett. Little has gone well for Washington since its thrilling win on Sept. 13 against Dallas at FedEx Field. More recently, the ‘Skins have dropped their last three — including a frustrating, special teams debacle induced 17-16 defeat to Tampa Bay.
Brian Wright
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