Ellington

Doctor S sez: The Doctor suffered another case of premature publication last week. Note to self: Drink pitcher of martinis after writing the Slate.

Thursday, Dec. 9
NBA basketball, Boston at Philadelphia (7 p.m., TNT): Once upon a time, the Celtics and 76ers were the elite in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are still up there, but the Sixers haven't been relevant since Larry Brown and Allen Iverson left town.

Friday, Dec. 10
NBA basketball, Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago (7 p.m., ESPN): Kobe Bryant and the Lakers face the Bulls in the house that Michael Jordan built.

Saturday, Dec. 11
College football, NCAA Division II semifinals, Shepherd at Delta State (1 p.m., Cleveland, CSS, 1180 AM/103.3 FM): The surprising Statesmen are one win away from the Division II championship game. ... Army vs. Navy (1:30 p.m., Ch. 12): The Cadets and Midshipmen aren't national powers, but this rivalry is still one of the biggest. ... Men's college basketball, East Tennessee State at Mississippi State (7 p.m., Starkville, 105.9 FM): The Bulldogs begin a streak of four games in five days. Stay hydrated, men.

Sunday, Dec. 12
NFL football, St. Louis at New Orleans (3 p.m., Ch. 40, 620 AM): The Saints are rolling, but the Rams are suddenly very dangerous. ... Philadelphia at Dallas (7:20 p.m., Ch. 3, 930 AM): The red-hot Cowboys try to play spoiler on the Eagles' NFC East title hopes.

Monday, Dec. 13
Men's college basketball, Mississippi Valley State at Ole Miss (7 p.m., Oxford, 97.3 FM): Sure, the Rebels are paying for a win, but at least the money will stay in Mississippi. ... NFL football, Baltimore at Houston (7:20 p.m., ESPN, 930 AM): Both the Ravens and Texans desperately need a win.

Tuesday, Dec. 14
Men's college basketball, Spring Hill at Jackson State (7 p.m., Jackson): The Tigers finally get to play a home game again. Welcome back, guys.

Wednesday, Dec. 15
Men's college basketball, Belhaven vs. Mississippi State (7 p.m., Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, 105.9 FM): The Bulldogs meet the Blazers in MSU's annual game at the Fairgrounds.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who has been ordered to take remedial calendar reading.