eez, those Celtics just can't seem to overtake those pesky Nets in the Atlantic Division. There's a sentence you never thought you'd read in December. Or any time. There's a sentence that also points to the silliness and unpredictability that the division and Eastern Conference have become.

Yes, people actually waited for the score to come in from New Jersey last night before crafting their copy. Yes, the Nets and Celtics are pulling away in the division. Yes, Pat Riley has one more win than Tim Floyd - and five fewer than the Traveling Medicine Show himself, John Lucas. Yes, the Wizards are the hottest team in the conference