A banner weekend, indeed. The Washington Capitals and Wizards clinched a playoff berth within 24 hours. This week we have another full lineup of Washington area sports, highlighted by a jampacked Wednesday night featuring three local teams playing home games in front of massive crowds. Our picks for this week are below. Go on and add your own in the comments.

TUESDAY
With all area teams taking tonight off, we suggest you clear your plans for tomorrow night and prepare your detour of L'Enfant Metro.

WEDNESDAY
D.C. United will try to end their prolonged futility against Mexican teams when they host Pachuca in their CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal. United lost the first leg of the series 0-2, so they'll have to invoke Saturday night's offensive mojo if they're to reach the final. RFK Stadium becomes a battleground when the black-and-red host Mexican teams, as rival factions of fans struggle to assert their will. No matter which side you support, the games invariably result in a riveting experience. Tickets for sale here. 7:30 p.m., FSC.

The Washington Wizards host the NBA's best Wednesday night. Though the Boston Celtics have already clinched the best record in the NBA, coach Doc Rivers assured that he'll be playing his starters through the final games of the season. These starters will have the motivation of evening up the season series against a team they perceive as inferior. The Wizards, for their part, will be jockeying for playoff position. The end result promises to be a fantastic game of high-level basketball. Tickets are still available. 7 p.m., ESPN.

The Washington Nationals will contribute their fair share of fans to the Metro melee, as thousands are expected to flock to Nationals Park on what will be the nicest baseball night to date; the current forecast for first pitch is a mild 64 degrees. Jason Bergmann seeks to rectify a poor first start against Marlins left hander Scott Olsen. Tickets here. 7 p.m., MASN.

Photo by cljo

THURSDAY
If you thought Wednesday was a nice day for baseball, Thursday's follow-up should be even better, with a gametime temperature around 70 degrees. If you still haven't made your way to Nationals Park, what the heck are you waiting for? Mark Hendrickson takes the hill for the Marlins. He'll be opposed by the Nats' Odalis Perez. Tickets, 7 p.m., MASN.

FRIDAY
For the first time in five years, the Capitals have made the playoffs. They open their best-of-seven first round matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers Friday night. Though we haven't had any luck with tickets, we may shell out a few extra dollars to witness this momentous occasion. If your own TV is unfamiliar to national Canadian television, we suggest you visit your local watering hole. 7 p.m., TSN, VERSUS.

SATURDAY
Wizards fans want a rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Right? The 5th place Wiz have a strong chance of avoiding their playoff ousters of the last two years if they tank Saturday's game against the 6th place Philadelphia 76ers. The sports karma gods would not look kindly to such an action, however, and Washington's alternative to the Cavs would be a powerful Orlando team. They'll do well to bring their A game Saturday night. Tickets here. 7:00 p.m., CSN.