Donny's NBA Play of the Day is the Oklahoma City Thunder +2.5 over the Miami Heat

Note to the Leafs:  It's ok. We don't care that you've packed it up.  It's probably better this way anyhow.

The Miami Heat have not been the same team since the All-Star Break.  Maybe it's because they know that they stand among the top of the league as a team due to the superstar plays of Lebron, Wade and Bosh.  This NBA season is short and the back to back games can take a toll on your mood, energy level, and even your desire to win.   The Heat will make it into the playoffs even if they played the rest of the season with one hand tied behind their backs.  

Donny's NBA Play of the Day is the New Jersey Nets +6.5 over the Sacramento Kings

New Jersey fans see the trade of Gerald Wallace to the Nets as a disappointing deal because they couldn't land Dwight Howard.  This is  understandable considering Howard is a huge addition to any team.  However the Nets didn't lose on this trade.  The Nets gave up Mehmet Okur and Shawne Williams which are worth it for the game Gerald Wallace brings to the Nets team.  Wallace is an upgrade for most teams because he does a lot of good things.  He's a scorer, a defender, and can be clutch in the late stages of games.  Last night Wallace helped the Nets defeat the Golden State Warriors.  Wallace will proabably be a free agent this summer and the Raptors should do everything they can to sign him.  

Donny's NBA Play of the Day is the New York Knicks +3.5 over the Atlanta Hawks

Looks like Mike D'Antoni did the right thing by stepping down as coach of the Knicks.  His strength is somewhere else, as coach he is too busy and distracted to be as dedicated as someone like the current coach Woodson.  The Knicks look like they have some hope of getting into the playoffs.  Carmelo Anthony has stepped up in many ways since Lin and Stoudemire went down with injuries.  Big man Stoudemire is out for a while, but Tyson Chandler is doing a great job of filling in at the post.  Lin will be back soon probably, he needs to work on certain aspects of his game such as turnovers, toughness, and just getting more playing time.  The Knicks won last game against Orlando and Milwaukee who are chasing a playoff spot with determination.

Donny's NBA Play of the Day:  Oklahoma Thunder +1 over the Los Angeles Lakers

The Thunder continue to play at the top of their game despite the rigorous schedule of this NBA season.  Kevin Durant improves his game and ability to close games even more as he matures.  Now they will visit the Lakers at home and are bringing a familiar face with them.  Derek Fisher wants the last word on his trade out of LA, so he is looking for some retribution in tonight's game.  This year I don't think the Lakers will win the championship.  Kobe Bryant is always dangerous and can take games over, but the Thunder are younger, faster, and the entire team has more depth than the Lakers team. 

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has been mocking the Raptors and Toronto fans ever since he found out that Raptors fans get a free slice from Pizza Pizza when they score 100 or more points.

Donny's NBA & NHL Sports Picks for March 28, 2012

NBA

Donny's NBA Play of the Day is the San Antonio Spurs over the Phoenix Suns

Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs roll into Phoenix to battle Steve Nash and the Suns team this Tuesday night.  San Antonio is looking great right now having won 8 of the last 10 games.  Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli are expected to be available to play tonight which means that the Suns will certainly have their hands full.  The Suns meanwhile have been playing well winning against somewhat weaker teams, but when they played top teams they lost, including to Orlando and Miami.