A rundown of games and events to watch for locally and nationally from the world of sports:
Tuesday
NBA, Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m. (Comcast SportsNet Northwest) - The Northwest Division rivals are trying to stay in the playoff discussion near the midway point of the season. Both teams would be in the postseason if it started today.e_SClBFriday
Prep boys basketball, Bend at Mountain View, 7 p.m. - The first Civil War of the basketball season, the Lava Bears and Cougars both figure to make state playoff pushes this season.
Friday-Sunday
Prep wrestling, Oregon Wrestling Classic at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, 8:30 a.m. first two days, 7 a.m. on Sunday — High school teams compete in Oregon’s “unofficial" dual-meet state championship Friday and Saturday, while Sunday boasts one of the largest youth tournaments in the Northwest. Redmond (5A), Crook County (4A) and Culver (2A/1A) all look to challenge for OWC championships.e_SClBSaturday
Skiing, VertFest at Mt. Bachelor ski area, 10 a.m. — VertFest is billed as the premiere uphill race event in the Pacific Northwest. The classic mountaineering event is staged along a scenic and challenging course, with categories that include 4,000 or 2,000 vertical feet; events also include telemark and alpine touring demos with Pine Mountain Sports and backcountry ski clinics with Timberline Mountain Guides. All proceeds from registration fees benefit the Central Oregon Avalanche Association. For more information and to register, visit www.mtbachelor.com.e_SClBSaturday
NHL, Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings, noon (NBC) — The NHL returns after a lengthy lockout, with the first games of the season taking place on Saturday. The defending champion Kings will raise their banner in a pregame ceremony. The season schedule was just released this weekend, and NBC also could air the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Philadelphia Flyers in this time slot, although Bend is likely to get the game with West Coast ties.
