1.   Already, New York is at a disadvantage, as Latrell Sprewell was left home to rest his ailing back.

2.   And the chances of defensive end Charles Haley returning to the lineup after a four-game absence because of an ailing back are about even, Switzer said.

3.   A year ago, he was limping toward the finish line, talking about retiring and looking forward only to the next treatment on his ailing back.

4.   Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek plans to travel to California on Friday to have his ailing back evaluated by a specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins.

5.   Doctors say his ailing back would be cured with a week off.

6.   Defensive end Charles Haley wanted to play in that game so badly that he had cortisone injected into his ailing back.

7.   He needs surgery on his ailing back.

8.   Lensing arrived at Maibec with an ailing back.

9.   Pitcher Shane Reynolds tested his ailing lower back for the second time this week on Wednesday and pronounced himself ready to rejoin the rotation this weekend in Milwaukee.

10.   Saturday, a gimpy Martinez obliged his ailing back by relying on his curveball, his changeup, and his uncanny cunning.