HOUSTON–Things are not looking too good for the defending NBA champion.

Trying to spur a fourth-quarter run against the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat dislocated his left shoulder yesterday, severely impacting his chances at making the playoffs this year.

“It’s a real shame, as the Miami Heat was having one of his best statistical years ever,” said Rockets guard Tracy McGrady. “I’ve seen the Heat get knocked down hard driving to the basket and get right back up, but when I saw the pain on the Heat’s face, I knew this wasn’t a minor injury.”

The Heat is currently in third place in the Southeast at 26-27. With the Heat unable to play for at least a few weeks, if not more, improving that record and gaining ground in the playoff race are practically impossible.

“This is going to be the hardest coaching challenge of my life. I have to find a whole new team soon, or we’re doomed,” said the Heat’s coach, Pat Riley. “I have to put someone out there.”

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson sent his condolences. “I don’t know what I would do if Lakers got hurt. He’s our heart and soul. My only suggestion to Riley is to do what some of those other NBA teams do, and that is put five guys on the court and give them each a chance to play together.”

“I let the whole city of Miami down.” said the Heat from the hospital, after his shoulder was successfully reset. “The Heat may not play basketball for a few weeks, but I’ll be back and the games will continue.”

Henry Wagner, a season-ticket holder ever since the Heat joined the league in 2003, said, “Hey, who are those other guys wearing those red jerseys. That big guy,” he said squinting to read a name, “O’neal…can he play?”