A: Um, landing safely four times? As far as the schedule, I would think you would have to win at least two of the three if you want to keep pace with the rest of the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. But the trip does present concerns. You have to figure Kobe Bryant is going to be up for his final career matchup with Dwyane Wade, although it will be curious to see if Wade and Bryant defense each other when the Heat face the Lakers. The swing game could be Friday in Sacramento, with DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo certainly capable of having big numbers, with Rondo's 18 assists on Nov. 19 still the most against the Heat this season. Because Saturday, on the second night of a back-to-back in Portland will be challenging, with the Trail Blazers playing well over the second half of the season and, unlike the Heat, not on the second night of a back-to-back, with Friday off after a Thursday game against the Celtics. Lose one of the first two and all of a sudden Saturday becomes high stakes for the Heat. Open 2-0 and, who knows, maybe Dwyane Wade even gets a night off (depending, of course, on Goran Dragic's health).