MIAMI - Dwyane Wade was on the basketball court early Wednesday to take on a couple critics who thought it was a good idea to challenge the Miami Heat guard.His kids lost.We played a lot of different games, Wade said. I had to come back from behind in one of them.Their before-school backyard game was on the court adorned in Marquette colours at their home, and itll be the last time Wade plays in friendly surroundings for the next couple weeks. Wade and the struggling Heat start a five-game trip in Portland on Thursday, beginning a stretch that could help turn things around or just add to their tailspin.The only thing I do know, Wade said, is it cant get any worse.Miami (15-20) is clinging to the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference and this trip isnt exactly filled with easy games. Portland (27-8) had the NBAs second-best record entering Wednesdays action, and that game is followed by matchups against the Los Angeles Clippers (currently 23-12), the Los Angeles Lakers (11-24), Golden State (an NBA-best 27-5) and Sacramento (14-20).You dont want to come back from this road trip and be 10 games under .500, Wade said.Thats his way of saying what awaits is a challenge.A great challenge, Wade said. These teams are playing very well and we havent played that well. So its time for us to go out there and just play basketball and not have to worry about the pressure of losing games at home. ... Now that goes away. Its not going to be easy at all, but we can just focus on the game and whatever it takes to win.Somewhat strangely, the Heat are better on the road (8-8) than at home (7-12), which is one of the reasons why they are fighting this uphill battle in the standings. They have shot a tiny bit better on the road than in Miami so far this season, average nearly three more assists per game, one fewer turnover and score at roughly the same clip.But even with LeBron James back in Cleveland and this roster looking nothing like the ones that went to the last four NBA Finals, Heat centre Chris Bosh thinks opponents still have Miami circled as an important game.For sure, absolutely, Bosh said. Guys want to get their just due, man.This trip is an annual tradition of sorts, coinciding with the circus annual stop at Miamis home arena. It might not have the same cache as San Antonios annual rodeo trip or the road swings that the Clippers and Lakers make when theyre displaced from Staples Center by awards shows, but its been valuable to Miami in the past.Bosh, Wade and coach Erik Spoelstra all spoke Wednesday of the opportunity that Miami has on this trip to bond, since the team will be together for nearly two full weeks.I want to bond and win, Bosh said. I dont want to just bond.NOTES: The Heat recalled G Shabazz Napier from their NBA Development League affiliate in Sioux Falls. ... Spoelstra said Miami made the decision to waive G Andre Dawkins earlier this week for roster flexibility, though cautioned that no move was imminent to fill the lone open spot on the teams 15-player list. http://www.officialraidersgear.com/Raiders-Al-Davis-Draft-Jersey/ . Reimer is winless (0-2-1) since returning from a six-week absence due to concussion-like symptoms. The Maple Leafs dropped a 4-2 decision to the hosting Washington Capitals on Friday. Arden Key Jersey .K. Subban has picked the right time of the year to go on an offensive tear. http://www.officialraidersgear.com/Raiders-Cory-James-Draft-Jersey/ .C. -- Jackson Whistle made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season as the Kelowna Rockets blanked the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-0 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action. http://www.officialraidersgear.com/Raiders-Charles-Woodson-Draft-Jersey/ . -- The Washington Redskins coaching staff distanced itself from other coaches Thursday by siding with ownership -- and not the players -- in the NFLs labour dispute. http://www.officialraidersgear.com/Raiders-Gabe-Jackson-Draft-Jersey/ . - Tom Brady was upset that his New England Patriots hardly looked like a division champion in the first half.PHOENIX - The Los Angeles Angels have granted right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton his unconditional release, but will still have to pay him $8.5 million. The Angels made the move Wednesday. The 33-year-old Blanton struggled in spring training with a 7.08 ERA in five appearances over 20 1-3 innings. He was 2-14 last year and sent to the bullpen in midseason. The Angels will absorb Blantons contract and pay him $7.dddddddddddd5 million this year, with another $1 million to buy out the $8 million club option for 2015. Blantons departure leaves the Angels with 39 players on their 40-man roster and takes him out of competition for a bullpen roster spot. The teams starting rotation appears set with Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs. 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