NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Are Out Of Sight

The Houston Rockets finished coughing up the season on Sunday against the Miami Heat, even after leading by 13 points in the first half. Of course, that loss eliminated the Rockets from any hopes of playoff contention for the third straight season. Not only that, but all of a sudden Houston is nowhere to be found in the SB Nation NBA Power Rankings.

Simply put, the Rockets are not an NBA power. Two weeks ago, they were an overachieving group with mediocre talent. The latest struggles in Houston have certainly put the team in its place, as disappointing as it may be for the fans.

But hey, the San Antonio Spurs are at the top of the Western Conference, the NBA Power Rankings and one of the favorites to win it all by some league experts. That's not really consolation, probably more frustrating than anything. But it's as if the Rockets had a chance to leave their own mark on the season, and, well, they did.

Read more about the Rockets at The Dream Shake blog.

Houston Rockets: Game Over

Playoff chances are officially dead, what now?

2012 NBA Western Conference Standings: Rockets Eliminated From Playoffs

The Rockets playoff chances were slim enough heading into Sunday night's game against the Miami Heat, and after the loss the Rockets have been eliminated from the playoffs. The best that the Rockets can do is finish in a tie for eighth place but the Rockets will lose the tiebreaker scenarios.

For more on this game Rockets fans should visit The Dream Shake.

Kyle Lowry To Miss Final Game Of The Season With Sports Hernia

Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry missed Sunday's game against the Miami Heat due to a sports hernia, and not only was Lowry out on Sunday he has been ruled out for the Rockets final game of the season. The injury occurred in first half of Saturday win over the Golden State Warriors. Lowry didn't play the entire second half after logging less than eight minutes.

This is the second injury that Lowry has suffered this year, the prior setback was a bacterial infection that kept Lowry out for one month and he just returned to the lineup two weeks ago. Lowry never got back to his old self once he returned from the bacteria injury, and now he is shutting it down for the rest of the season.

Goran Dragic replaced Lowry during his month-long access and played well during that stretch and he will continue to stay in the starting lineup for the final game this season.

For more on this game Rockets fans should visit The Dream Shake.

Rockets Vs. Heat Final Score: Houston Falls To Miami 97-88

The playoff chances for the Houston Rockets to make the playoff are done after losing to the Miami Heat 97-88. The Rockets could win their last two games and with some help be tied for the No. 8 spot with the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns but the Rockets would not win the tiebreaker.

In Sunday's lost the Rockets had a chance to pull off the upset as they led by three points heading into the fourth quarter, and the game was tied at 83 apiece with 2:57 left in the game. However, after a Houston time out the Heat went on a 14-2 run to defeat the Rockets.

Outside of those final minutes the Rockets played well and held the Heat to 41 percent shooting from the field, but the Heat were aggressive and made it to the free throw line 24 times while making 22. That was the difference in the game as the Rockets made only 11.

LeBron James led the Heat with 32 points while Houston had five players score in double figures with Chandler Parsons leading the Rockets with 23 points.

For more on this game Rockets fans should visit The Dream Shake and Heat fans should check out Peninsula Is Mightier. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Standings 2012: Huge Test Vs. Miami Stands In The Way Of Rockets Playoff Hopes

Here's the good news for the Houston Rockets. Two of Miami's big three might not be in the lineup when the ball is tipped on Sunday evening. The bad news, the Miami Heat are still pretty good with LeBron James running the show on his own. Can the Rockets win two in a row and push themselves in the playoffs as a No. 8 seed? We'll see on Sunday night.

Here are the Western Conference standings going into Sunday.

Rockets Vs. Heat Time, TV, Radio Info And More

The Houston Rockets are clinging to their playoff lives and have a crucial matchup with the Miami Heat on Sunday.