They haven’t played anyone yet. Wait until they play the Western Conference.

Remember those words, spoken before the Celtics began a 3-game homestand against the best of the Eastern Conference and started off on their first West Coast swing? Five games into that stretch, and sporting a 4-1 record, the doubts about the Celtics are disappearing faster than parking spots in Southie.

Last night’s win over the Sonics was the second game of a back-to-back and featured Ray Allen’s emotional return to the Northwest, two factors that conspired to keep things relatively close. But while Allen wasn’t his usual efficient self, Paul Pierce picked up the slack, and in the process, revealed what the Celtics would have looked like had they drafted Kevin Durant. Think 11-16, not 24-3. READ MORE

Your condensed guide to today’s daily papers. 

What’s next for Pakistan: The death of Harvard-educated Benazir Bhutto has thrown the country into chaos, as well as Washington’s plan for democracy. You get the sense there is no Plan B right now. [Globe] READ MORE

Your long day of corporate drudgery is over. Get out and enjoy the city! Here are a few ideas to get you started, lovingly picked by Boston Daily

Nothing says the holidays like dinner and dancing. OK, lots of things say the holidays better than dinner and dancing, but only Upstairs on the Square has both tonight. READ MORE

Taking you around the internet for your afternoon enjoyment.

He never should have ditched the hoodie: You have to give Sports Illustrated credit for imagination, even though the end-of-the-year Bill Belichick as Santa cover doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. [SI.com] READ MORE

Are you stuck at work like the hard-working trolls here at Boston Daily? Lucky you. To add insult to your misery, it looks like there’s another storm a-brewing. And just in time for your drive home.

While the majority of the snowfall is expected to occur north of the city, the drive home could feature that lovely concoction known as wintry mix. READ MORE