We honestly don't have much new to say about this afternoon's game. Win, and everything's forgotten and it's 0-0 against Cleveland. Lose - the unthinkable - and God only knows how ugly it's going to get in this town. Doc needs to coach like he's NOT being mugged, coaching a playoff game and watching his house burn down at the same time. Pierce needs to be smart and not give the refs a reason/chance to monitor him closely. Sam Cassell needs to play like home Sam and not Road Sam. The fans need to make Atlanta feel as welcome as the Soviets in Lake Placid. And KG needs to step up big and banish the doubters once and for all.

John Hollinger breaks down what's gone wrong for the Celtics. Dan Shaughnessy rewrites the same column he's written after each loss this series, but at least he's settled on Pierce as the guy he really hates and takes gratuitous shots at every chance he gets (come back, Curt Schilling, come back!). No link. The Hawks, no surprise, believe.

The Sox' offensive drought appears to be over. James Shields dazzled the Sox in St. Petersburg last week, but got clobbered last night, as the Sox hung seven runs on him before the merciful end of his day (he didn't make it out of the fourth). Papi, Manny, Drew and Varitek all had multi-RBI games as the Sox pounded out the 12-4 win. Josh Beckett wasn't spectacular, but more than able to get the win, giving up four runs over eight innings with 5 Ks. The Sox go for the sweep, and possibly reclaim the best record in the AL, this afternoon: Jon Lester against troublesome Scott Kazmir.

The Revolution officially hate the Chicago Fire. They thought that things would be better than their 4-0 loss in Chicago earlier this season, but it really wasn't any better. Unless you think losing 3-0 is better than 4-0. "We were consistent - consistently bad," said coach Steve Nicol. Let's make sure grumpy doesn't get Doc Rivers on the phone before today's game.

You already read about the triumph and the tragedy at yesterday's Kentucky Derby. We wonder how all those people felt cashing their "Place" bets for the horse that died feel. Then again, we've seen racetrack people, so maybe we don't wonder.