Today
Pro Bowl, 1:30 p.m., NBC. You have a lawn to mow, a garage to clean, the kids' science projects to supervise, laundry to finish, litter boxes to empty, meat loaf-and-mashed potatoes to cook, paper clips to alphabetize - or you could earn the shame of your family and friends by watching the Pro Bowl. Sharks at Boston, 4 p.m., Versus. The Sharks start a road trip in Boston and the Stanley Cup hype between the two best teams in the league by record. First up, a tug-of-war over whether Joe Thornton is an evil underachiever the Boston view or a mega-swell guy who ennobled a franchise. The correct answer, of course, is "Yes." Twice.
Thursday Portland at Warriors, 7:30 p.m., CSNBA. The Warriors play Portland in the last game before the All-Star break. We're working to find another reason to care - Brandon Roy vs. Jamal Crawford, Nellie closing in on that elusive 1,000th loss - but no, that's about it.
Saturday A's pitchers and catchers report, Phoenix. Oakland tries to figure out how many pitchers are required for a starting rotation. Traditionalists say five. The A's rotation has 32 major-league wins among the candidates, which means they have other thoughts.
NBA All-Star weekend, Phoenix. Other than the H.O.R.S.E. game that nobody really asked for, it's not new, it's not improved, and it's still 100 percent Warrior-free.
El Camino Real Derby, Golden Gate Fields. The Jenny Craig-owned Chocolate Candy, winner of the California Derby, is the likely favorite in this race, which of late has repeatedly sent horses to the Kentucky Derby. No info on what gravy-, butter- or lard-based names the rest of the horses in her stable have.
