TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on Raptors small forward Steve Novak, Nets shooting guard Marcus Thorntons firepower and deep range, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondos talent and the Chicago Bulls harder work on the court. 1. HUGE GAME: Im here in NYC for the Raptors at Nets game Monday night. Some games are just bigger than others and this is one of them. Four games separate them for first place in the Atlantic. Tie-breaker at stake, as well. A win by the Raps would be a major step with only 20 games to play beyond this one. Both are on a back-to-back. Its a tough challenge for Toronto versus a desperate opponent. I cant wait. 2. STEVE NOVAK (Raptors): The five three-pointers at Minnesota were major. Patrick Patterson is out and its all about digging deeper into your bench and he delivered. The sum is more important than the parts. Love how Landry Fields and Chuck Hayes have performed when needed as well. 3. MARCUS THORNTON (Nets): 27 points Sunday night versus his old Kings team. A terrific pickup for Brooklyn. He gives them firepower and deep range. Streaky scorer who can change a game quick if hes hot. He did that on Sunday night. He is the perfect complement off the bench for their team. 4. RAJON RONDO (Celtics): 11 points and 18 assists on Sunday versus the Pistons. GM Danny Ainges phone will be ringing off the hook this summer if he keeps dropping as many dimes as he did on Sunday. Hes a wonderful talent and if he gets back to being the explosive lead guard he once was, watch out! 5. CHICAGO BULLS: Watched their overtime win over the Heat on Sunday. What can you say, other than wow! No team in the NBA plays harder than them. Coach Thibodeau gets after it and Joakim Noah is that guy you want on your side. Hustle truly is a talent. Clearance New Balance Shoes . Canada will host Japan in a World Group first-round match in 2015. It will be a rematch of their first-round clash last year when Japan defeated Canada 4-1 to reach the World Group quarter-finals for the first time in its history. New Balance Shoes Outlet . The trade deadline is Monday, Mar. 2 at 3pm et/Noon pt. TRADES COMPLETED SINCE OCT. 1, 2014: Feb. 15, 2015 Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: F Olli Jokinen, F Brendan Leipsic, 1st Round Pick (2015) Nashville Predators acquire: D Cody Franson, F Mike Santorelli Feb. http://www.wholesalenewbalance.com/.com) - The Ottawa Senators will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive when they face the Chicago Blackhawks who are trying to secure their place in the post-season. Cheap New Balance 574 . MORITZ, Switzerland -- Latvia won a four-man World Cup bobsled race Sunday, while the U. Cheap New Balance Free Shipping . Gordon reportedly failed another drug test and is facing a one-year ban. Gordon led the NFL in yards receiving last season despite being suspended two games for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy.Toronto FC is holding a major news conference on Monday to unveil their newest player acquisitions for the 2014 MLS season, including England striker Jermain Defoe. You can watch full coverage live on TSN and TSN.ca right now. "Im excited (to arrive in Toronto); its been a long couple months," Defoe said on his arrival to Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Sunday. "I just wanted to get over here and see the city. Im looking forward to it; its a fantastic challenge and great opportunity. Im really excited, I feel like a little kid. "Its always a challenge when you go to a new club. Playing against different opposition is always going to be a challenge but thats what I play football for; Im going to enjoy it. Im delighted I made the decision to come. My family came (to Toronto) about a month ago. They had great feedback and said it was a fantastic city with fantastic people." Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, and Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko also added Gilberto from Brazil this winter. Gilberto joins midfielder Matias Laba as the clubs designated players. The club also brought back 355-year-old Toronto native Dwayne De Rosario last week.dddddddddddd The former league MVP, who ranks sixth on the all-time MLS scoring list with 103 goals, returns home for his second stint with TFC. Defoe has scored 142 goals during two tours with Tottenham and is the clubs top scorer in European competitions. Defoe first joined the London club in February 2004 from West Ham United, making 177 appearances and scoring 64 goals before leaving to join Portsmouth in January 2008. The England international was re-signed a year later and has since made 185 appearances, scoring 78 goals. U.S. international midfielder Michael Bradley is the next piece of the puzzle to officially fall. AS Roma announced Thursday that it had sold the 26-year-old American to MLS for US$10 million. A source with knowledge of the league said Toronto was the lone MLS suitor. The 26-year-old Bradley played for the U.S. national team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and has also played for MetroStars in the MLS as well as Heerenveen, Borussia Monchengladbach and Chievo Verona. Toronto opens its 2014 season Mar. 15 in Seattle. Defoe will miss almost all of Torontos pre-season games. ' ' '