Whether Boston wakes up Monday reading obituaries Doc Rivers says he won't write, the Celtics certainly have a problem without Rajon Rondo -- and it may lead to a significant trade. Much of the speculation, for good reason, surrounds [Paul Pierce]. ... One team that rival execs expect to be at the forefront of the Pierce pursuit is Memphis, which delayed but did not solve its long-term payroll concerns by getting under the luxury-tax line with last week's trade with Cleveland. While Memphis can survive for the rest of this season without trading Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph or Marc Gasol, it still cannot sustain such a top-heavy payroll for the next two seasons. Pierce would keep the Grizzlies dangerous. (CBS Sports) Comment

If Lynn and Rick Raisman are any guide, Super Bowl viewers are likely to get an eyeful of Jack and Jackie Harbaugh. [The Harbaughs] would do well to practice their impassive faces in front of a mirror before the Super Bowl. The parents of Baltimore Ravens coach John and the San Francisco 49ers' Jim Harbaugh will be watched closely during Sunday's Super Bowl -- if anybody finds them -- for any visual evidence that mommy and daddy really do love one boy or the other best. It promises to be a fascinating sidebar to CBS' coverage of the game. ... "I am going to be neutral in the game," Jackie Harbaugh said. "I know one is going to win and one is going to lose, but I would really like to end in a tie. Can the NFL do that?" (MercuryNews.com) Comment

Apparently, that "if" in the caveat standing between Broadway and Jason Arnott -- passing a physical -- became significant. The tentative deal between the New York Rangers and [Arnott] is off, a source confirmed. Although the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year contract Saturday, the 38-year-old center was not cleared by Rangers team doctors, the source confirmed. The reason Arnott was not cleared is not immediately known. The Rangers declined to comment on the deal Saturday night. It is believed that the team was aware of this potential issue and wanted to proceed with caution. Arnott flew in to New York on Saturday night and was at Madison Square Garden, where he met with multiple team doctors. He has since left the area, a source said. (ESPN New York) Comment