NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Riding Middle?

The Houston Rockets are 2-2 in their last four games. Where does that put them in this week's power rankings?

The Houston Rockets are just one game above .500 after Monday night's 120-113 loss to the Miami Heat.

The loss has them at 2-2 over the past week, a mark that has the team in the middle of the pack both in the Western Conference standings and in the power rankings.

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports has the Rockets clocking in at No. 16, one spot lower than last week.

"The Rockets beat the Nets and Bucks this week, while losing to the Timberwolves and Heat. Alperen Sengun led the way offensively with 23 points and nine rebounds per game, while Fred VanVleet added 18.5 points per game on 49% 3-point shooting," CBS Sports writes. "Overall, however, the Rockets only mustered 107 points per 100 possessions for the week."

Fred VanVleet Believes Physicality is Key to Improving Rockets' Road Struggles

The Rockets offense hasn't been the same without Dillon Brooks, who has missed the last seven games with an oblique strain. Tari Eason's absence isn't helping matters either. He's missed the last four games with lower left leg soreness.

Perhaps the Rockets will turn things around this week with winnable matchups against the Chicago Bulls (Wed.) and Detroit Pistons (Fri.). But then life returns to a challenge with the Boston Celtics (Sat.) and Philadelphia 76ers (Mon.) on the schedule as Houston's six-game road trip continues.