Shows
The Lager LineAll systems go: Reviewing Rockets’ epic 2025 offseason to dateWith marquee external additions such as Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, along with efficient contract extensions for key personnel such as Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Ime Udoka, the Houston Rockets have turned heads throughout the NBA with their 2025 offseason. According to oddsmakers, they’re now among the leading championship contenders for the 2026 NBA Finals.In Wednesday’s episode (sponsored by Karbach Brewing), our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to the latest news from free agency’s opening days. Topics include why the Finney-Smith signing could make the Durant trade look even better; the implic...2025-07-021h 24
The Lager LineDorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in, Cam Whitmore out?In a phone segment on Tuesday’s The Sean Salisbury Show (SportsTalk 790), our Ben DuBose offers insight on Houston’s rapid free agency agreements with Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela.Other topics include what weaknesses the Rockets still have, if any; whether general manager Rafael Stone might pursue another All-Star acquisition to pair with Kevin Durant; and perspective on why Cam Whitmore appears to be a trade candidate.2025-07-0112 minThe Lager LineEmergency show: Kevin Durant joins the Rockets!Featuring hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Sunday’s show features immediate reaction to the blockbuster NBA trade sending All-Star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Rockets!Topics include why the outgoing compensation (Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2025) is reasonable for Houston; what Durant choosing the Rockets says about the franchise; and how the remainder of the offseason could go as Houston gears up for a 2025-26 season with championship aspirations.2025-06-2254 minThe Lager LineRumor roundup: Ime Udoka, Kevin Durant, Brook LopezWednesday’s episode features reaction and insight from our Ben DuBose to a handful of recent NBA rumors connected to the Rockets. Those include the New York Knicks’ reported interest in Ime Udoka as head coach; a potential Kevin Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns perhaps getting closer; and free agent Brook Lopez becoming a potential backup plan for Houston, should Steven Adams choose to sign elsewhere.2025-06-0442 minThe Lager LineHow a shocking NBA draft lottery affects the RocketsThe 2025 NBA draft lottery was an all-time shocker, and not in a good way for the Rockets. Despite entering with very low odds of moving up, divisional rivals Dallas and San Antonio are now slotted to pick at No. 1 and No. 2, where Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper are considered the consensus top prospects. Houston will pick at No. 10 in the first round.In Tuesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the immediate implications and storylines. Topics include why the Mavs or Spurs making an imminent trade push for Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlike...2025-05-1344 minThe Lager LineStock up, stock down, hold: Evaluating Rockets in 2025 playoffsHosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Thursday’s episode reviews Houston’s 2025 playoff run for each of its eight rotation players and head coach Ime Udoka.Using a “stock up, stock down, and neutral” grading system, the show reviews the good (Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, and Fred VanVleet) for the Rockets; the bad (Jalen Green); and everything in between during a seven-game series loss to Golden State.2025-05-081h 26The Lager LineCrash landing: Rockets’ offense ‘lays an egg’ in Game 7After fighting back from a 3-1 deficit to tie their first-round series against the Warriors, the Rockets’ 2025 playoff run is over after a home loss in Game 7. In the aftermath of a dreadful showing on offense (74 points in the first 45+ minutes), Monday’s show features reaction by our Ben DuBose to what went wrong against Golden State. Topics include the reasons for inefficient showings by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; the spacing limitations of “double big” lineups (Steven Adams and Sengun) when used with Amen Thompson; and a few positives to take out of the near-comeback, starting with Thompson...2025-05-0645 minThe Lager LineRockets vs. Warriors: Series predictions and keys to successIs the fifth time the charm? With a first-round series against their nemesis coming up, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explain why 2025 should finally be the time for the Rockets to beat the Warriors in the playoffs.Discussion topics on our series preview show include key storylines to watch for; predictions for what is likely to happen; and the role of players such as Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Fred VanVleet as potentially crucial variables for the Rockets.2025-04-1747 minThe Lager LineSeven straight! Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. shine as streak continuesDespite trailing by 25 points in the second half, the winning streak is somehow at seven games and counting for the Rockets (44-25, No. 2 in West) after Monday’s bizarre victory over Philadelphia.In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the latest developments, including an increasingly important home-court advantage; clear signs of progress for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.; and why Alperen Sengun’s second-half benching versus the Sixers shouldn't be a major concern.2025-03-1939 minThe Lager LineInstant reaction as Rockets decide their full-strength lineupWith Fred VanVleet back healthy, Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced Friday that Houston (37-22) plans to start start Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks at forward for the foreseeable future (ahead of Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason).Our Ben DuBose explains the reasons behind those choices, including the importance of building chemistry and continuity among the starting five as the 2025 NBA playoffs approach.2025-02-2837 minThe Lager LineAs Rockets get healthy, is a streak coming in March?After losing six straight games earlier this month, the Rockets (35-22, No. 4 in the West) entered this week with three wins in their last five games. Tuesday’s podcast explores areas of encouragement, starting with a healthier roster out of the All-Star break, along with a few concerning trends — such as defensive inconsistency and issues on the second game of back-to-backs. Other topics on this week’s show, again sponsored by Houston’s Karbach Brewing and hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, include analysis of potential starting lineup changes for head coach Ime Udoka and the underwhelming rookie se...2025-02-251h 05The Lager LineHas Amen Thompson locked up a long-term starting spot?In Thursday’s interview segment with Ross Villarreal of SportsTalk 790, our Ben DuBose explains why he thinks Amen Thompson has likely locked up a long-term starting role with the Rockets (27-12). Other topics include encouraging signs from Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore during Houston’s current five-game winning streak, as well as why general manager Rafael Stone shouldn’t be under any pressure to make a move at the NBA’s Feb. 6 in-season trade deadline.2025-01-1713 minThe Lager LineRipple effects of Jabari Smith Jr. breaking left handSunday’s mini-episode features Ben’s reaction to Jabari Smith Jr. breaking his left hand, including potential lineup and rotation implications for players such as Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, Tari Eason, and Jalen Green.2025-01-0528 minThe Lager LineAs Alperen Sengun leads 7-4 start, should Houston explore a Giannis trade?Led by Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson, the improving Rockets (7-4) have won six of their last eight games while moving up to the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings. With that in mind, Wednesday’s show breaks down the key on-court takeaways from recent games.Yet, with the Milwaukee Bucks (3-8) off to a bad start in the East, even bigger possibilities might be on the horizon. With Bill Simmons and others listing Houston as a potential trade suitor for two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ben and Paulo explore what a future me...2024-11-131h 44The Lager LineTwo-week review: What we’ve learned in Rockets’ 4-3 startTwo weeks into the new 2024-25 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are 4-3 and tied for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. In Wednesday's episode, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down some of the key early storylines. Topics include the increasing importance of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason; inconsistency from Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet; and areas of both concern and opportunity entering the next few games.2024-11-061h 01The Lager LineMinicast: On Tari Eason’s surge and Alperen Sengun’s slumpAfter a statement win at Dallas and a nearly historic comeback versus Golden State (which fell short in overtime), the Rockets (3-3) remain stuck on the launch pad as they hover near .500 early in the 2024-25 NBA season.Prior to Monday’s home game versus New York, this interview segment explores the highs and lows leading to that inconsistency. Voices include The Lager Line’s Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Chris Gordy and Stan Norfleet.Topics include promising signs by Tari Eason; potential counters as teams increasingly commit defensive resources to Jalen Green; and reasons for slow s...2024-11-0409 minThe Lager LineMinicast: Jalen Green breaks out as Rockets open season 2-2Tuesday’s show is a brief interview between our Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy. Topics include the reasons for Houston’s 2-2 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, including a scoring binge by Jalen Green; inconsistent play by Alperen Sengun; the healthy return of Steven Adams; and whether occasional rebounding issues for the Rockets are an area of concern.2024-10-2912 minThe Lager LineReaction to new Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun contracts in HoustonTuesday's episode features immediate reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's newly announced contract extensions with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Discussion topics include the motivations for each deal; why both make sense for the Rockets; and what the agreements indicate about the remainder of Houston's roster and its potential blueprint moving forward.2024-10-221h 02The Lager Line2024-25 Rockets season preview with Craig AckermanMonday’s episode offers a complete 2024-25 season preview featuring Craig Ackerman, the Rockets’ TV play-by-play voice for Space City Home Network. In a conversation with our Ben DuBose, discussion topics include whether postseason expectations are realistic; if Jalen Green and/or Alperen Sengun are ready to take an All-Star leap; behind-the-scenes intel on Ime Udoka, training camp, and Houston’s recently completed preseason; and much more.2024-10-2151 minThe Lager LineFirst impressions as Rockets open 2024-25 preseasonWith preseason play officially underway for the NBA’s 2024-25 season, Wednesday’s show features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to early performances from the Rockets.Topics include encouraging signs by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson; the seemingly healthy return of Steven Adams; and what to watch for as other Houston players such as Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, and Jock Landale make their exhibition debuts in the days ahead.2024-10-0956 minThe Lager LineMinicast: Reaction to potential Sengun extension, Rockets’ media dayAfter Monday’s Rockets Media Day, Ben DuBose joined SportsTalk 790’s Next Up to discuss possible contract extensions for Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green.Şengün had a breakout year last season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting while averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. While it was previously thought that Houston was not likely to extend Şengün and Green prior to the 2024-25 season, there is now reportedly a "realistic chance" for the Rockets to reach a Şengün deal ahead of the Oct. 21 deadline. Tuesday's interview also explores how newer players on th...2024-10-0210 minThe Lager LineVanessa Richardson on 2024-25 Rockets, SCHN broadcasts, and moreIn the start of a new series profiling Houston’s game broadcasters, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network (SCHN) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the 2024-25 Rockets and beyond.Topics include her insights on organizational leaders such as owner Tilman Fertitta, head coach Ime Udoka, and GM Rafael Stone; expectations for the upcoming season; favorite player and staff interviews; behind-the-scenes intel on her job and SCHN; and more.2024-09-111h 02The Lager LineReaction to Rockets’ 2024-25 schedule releaseFriday's episode features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s newly released schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season. Topics include the opportunity for a fast start (and the importance of one) thanks to a relatively soft opening month; the challenges of a difficult second half of the season, both collectively and to select individual players; and whether the Rockets have potential to make a run in the second edition of the NBA Cup.The show concludes with reflections on the recently completed 2024 Olympics and a look ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Ang...2024-08-161h 19The Lager LineMinicast: Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore balling out at NBA summer leagueIn this July 15 segment from SportsTalk 790’s next up, Ben DuBose and Stan Norfleet react to Houston’s 2-0 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include the extremely positive impressions made by young guards Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, as well as the looming rotation crunch if these elite prospects continue to develop.2024-07-1514 minThe Lager LineIn busy draft week, Rockets add Reed Sheppard, AJ GriffinThursday’s episode has reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s busy 2024 NBA draft week, which culminated with the selection of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard at No. 3 overall and trading a second-round pick to Atlanta for sharpshooting forward prospect AJ Griffin.The show winds down with a deeper look at Tuesday’s Rockets-Nets trade involving future draft picks, including a potential pursuit of Suns guard Devin Booker as a driving force behind the deal.2024-06-281h 14The Lager LineAs 2024 draft nears, Rockets also finalizing free agency plansAs Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft nears, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are also finalizing plans for next Sunday’s start of free agency.With that in mind, topics in Monday’s full show (featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves) include final considerations with the No. 3 overall pick of the first round; why Houston could pass on using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the initial wave of free agency; and considerations to weigh in any potential trade pursuit of Clippers star Paul George.2024-06-2556 minThe Lager LineRockets primer entering 2024 NBA draft, free agency windowAs key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason.Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for Houston’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NT-MLE).2024-06-2328 minThe Lager LineMinicast: As draft nears, NBA Finals lessons for RocketsIn a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft, where Houston is slated to pick at No. 3 overall.2024-06-2010 minThe Lager LineExploring Houston’s salary cap outlook with Yossi GozlanThe Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025.For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive interview regarding Houston’s financial outlook.Beyond trade opportunities, the show also explores the outlook for potential contract extensions within the Rockets — including the ideal timing for reaching agreements with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun...2024-06-1732 minThe Lager LineJune update: Rockets draft intel with Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper)With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with Portland involving Anfernee Simons.2024-06-131h 11The Lager LineUSA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky on Rockets, NBA Draft chatterBryan Kalbrosky, national NBA staff writer at USA TODAY’s For The Win, shares the latest intel and scouting analysis related to the Rockets and their No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 draft.Topics in the May 23 episode — as always, hosted by our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — include a recent wave of Reed Sheppard rumors, as well as alternative options such as Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, trade scenarios, and more.2024-05-231h 21The Lager LineNBA playoffs storylines to watch for the RocketsThough their 41-41 record was much improved from last season, Houston didn’t quite qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Yet, among the teams competing, there are quite a few storylines that could become very relevant to the future of the Rockets.On Friday’s show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves dive into a wide range of Rockets-centric angles from the postseason. Topics include player and team comparisons; the encouraging implications of expensive teams going out early; and plausible trade options with those underachieving teams, such as a deal for Clippers star Paul George. The show wraps...2024-05-031h 07The Lager LineAs season winds down, Rockets have key milestones in sightIn a loaded Western Conference, the goal of advancing to the 2024 postseason proved to be too ambitious for the young and improving Houston Rockets (39-40). Yet, with three games left to play, a more attainable goal of a .500 or better season is still on the table — and that’s a clear point of emphasis for head coach Ime Udoka.With that in mind, Wednesday’s podcast explores the significance of Houston potentially recording a non-losing season for the first time in four years. Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves also break down recent improvements by Dillon Brooks and Jabari...2024-04-111h 06
Next Up with Stan Norfleet & Chris GordyRockets Analyst Ben DuBose Says SGA Is A "Huge Variable" In OKC MatchupBen DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wire, joins Next Up to preview the Houston Rockets traveling to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder tonight in a Western Conference matchup. The Thunder are currently ranked No. 2 in the Western Conference, while the Rockets sit behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. The Rockets could earn 10-straight wins if they defeat the Thunder tonight. The Thunder, led by point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, garnered their 50th win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and return to back to Oklahoma City to finish out a back-to-back. H...2024-03-2709 min