Shows
Rockets LaunchPodRockets 140, Blazers 116: Kevin Durant (+37) leads eighth win in nine gamesIn Friday night’s episode, Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans) go live with full postgame reaction after Houston’s 140-116 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Kevin Durant (30 points, +37) and Alperen Sengun (25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, four made 3-pointers) were among the clear standouts.The Rockets (8-3) have now won eight of their last nine games, overall.This episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKd1RulbrM0
2025-11-1530 min
Rockets LaunchPodRockets grades: Evaluating Houston’s 6-3 start to the seasonFeaturing hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, our latest full show breaks down the highs and lows of Houston’s 6-3 start to its 2025-26 regular season. Tuesday officially marks three weeks since the NBA’s Oct. 21 opener, and the Rockets — who have won six of their last seven games, overall — are now more than 10% of their way through the season.The discussion includes grades for all nine rotation players and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, along with insight on a brilliant start by Alperen Sengun and inconsistency from Amen Thompson.
2025-11-111h 19Rockets LaunchPodRockets 122, Bucks 115: Kevin Durant electric in statement winIn Houston’s most impressive win of the 2025-26 season to date, Kevin Durant (31 points, 7 assists) and Alperen Sengun (23 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists) were incredible down the stretch as the Rockets stormed back from a 14-point deficit on the road. Houston is now 6-3 on the season, while Milwaukee is 6-4.In Sunday’s postgame show, Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty break down all the highlights versus Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, including the huge bench spark provided by Reed Sheppard (16 points, 4 steals) and whether he could soon push for a starting role.This episode can b...
2025-11-1033 min
Rockets LaunchPodSpurs 121, Rockets 110: Turnovers, defensive lapses end Houston’s streakThe five-game winning streak for the Rockets (5-3) is now history after Friday’s 121-110 loss to the Spurs (6-2). The in-state rivalry game served as the opener of Emirates NBA Cup 2025 play for both teams.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Friday’s ClutchFans Live postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways, including how San Antonio crushed Houston off of turnovers (33 points off 23 giveaways) and subpar defensive rebounding (15 offensive boards for the home team).The show also highlights a relatively encouraging night for Reed Sheppard (16 points, 6 assists, 60% FG), albeit with some defensive miscues late in t...
2025-11-0830 min
Rockets LaunchPodFive in a row! Rockets rout Grizzlies as Amen Thompson dominates on roadThe Rockets (5-2) have now won five straight games, and Amen Thompson (28 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals) was the big story in their latest win at Memphis. Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Wednesday’s ClutchFans Live postgame show breaks down what we learned after a dominant showing against the Grizzlies.This episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrWXL_SinRk
2025-11-0633 min
Rockets LaunchPodFour straight wins: Rockets survive cold shooting night vs. MavsIn an in-state rivalry matchup, the Rockets shot the ball poorly at home amid a rare off night for Kevin Durant. Yet, thanks to huge games by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, Houston survived it versus the short-handed Dallas Mavericks (2-5).For Monday’s ClutchFans Live postgame show, Dave Hardisty and Ben DuBose recap what we learned at Toyota Center, as well as many of the key takeaways moving forward. The Rockets (4-2) have now won four straight games, overall.The episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmrO20T6...
2025-11-0432 min
Rockets LaunchPodBehind top-rated offense, Rockets secure first winning streakWith Wednesday’s 139-121 victory at Toronto, the Rockets (2-2) secured their first winning streak of the 2025-26 campaign and are now NBA’s most efficient offense of the young season.Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty, the “ClutchFans Live” show recaps all the key storylines. Topics include big scoring nights from Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.; a dominant rebounding performance, led by interior strength from Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun; and potential concerns on defense (where the Rockets currently rank in the bottom half of the league).This episode can be viewed in video...
2025-10-3031 min
Rockets LaunchPodClutchFans Live: Tari Eason blasts off as Rockets rout NetsThe Rockets (1-2) secured their first win of the 2025-26 season with a home blowout of the Brooklyn Nets. With Dave Hardisty and Ben DuBose as hosts, Monday’s ClutchFans Live postgame show explores all the key storylines.Topics include Tari Eason’s career shooting night; promising signs from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard at point guard; and Ime Udoka’s decision to start Josh Okogie in place of Steven Adams.The episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK6DcRVY8zE
2025-10-2825 minRockets LaunchPodBusiness of basketball: Rockets president Gretchen Sheirr joinsIn a roundtable conversation, Dave Hardisty and Ben DuBose sit down with Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations with the Rockets, to discuss the opening of the 2025–26 NBA season.As part of the interview, Sheirr shares insights on the state of the franchise; what fans can expect from the Toyota Center experience, and the new promotions and initiatives designed to bring fans closer to the team.Discussion topics include the Rockets’ outlook for the new season; the impact of Kevin Durant on business; ongoing upgrades at Toyota Center; and the latest updates on fan promotions, engagement init...
2025-10-2342 min
Rockets LaunchPodThunder 125, Rockets 124: Alperen Sengun’s elite game offset by turnoversAll-Star center Alperen Sengun was fantastic with a game-high 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, but it wasn’t quite enough in Houston’s heartbreaking 125-124 road loss to the defending NBA champion Thunder. As a fitting opener to the 2025-26 regular season, Tuesday’s matchup between Western Conference heavyweights wasn’t decided until the final seconds of a second overtime in Oklahoma City.Tuesday’s ClutchFans Live postgame show, featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, breaks down all the good and bad — including the fantastic showing by Sengun and a worrisome 21 turnovers as a team. Late miscues by Kevin Durant were...
2025-10-2230 min
Rockets LaunchPodClutchFans Live: Reaction as Rockets, Tari Eason fail to extendMonday’s ClutchFans live stream features reaction from Dave Hardisty and Ben DuBose to the relatively surprising news of the Rockets and Tari Eason not being able to agree on a contract extension prior to the rookie-scale deadline. Where does Houston go from here? Let’s discuss.This episode is available in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMwKKKv9mvk
2025-10-2134 min
Rockets LaunchPodKevin Durant extends his deal, is Tari Eason next?With analysis from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Sunday’s show reacts to the news of Kevin Durant extending his Houston contract for two additional years (and $90 million), as well as insight on whether Tari Eason is the next Rockets player in line for an extension.The episode also looks ahead to Tuesday’s regular-season opener at Oklahoma City and breaks down whether Reed Sheppard or Steven Adams is most likely to be the fifth starter versus the Thunder.
2025-10-2050 min
Rockets LaunchPodClutchFans Live: Reed Sheppard thrives as Rockets finish perfect preseasonThe Rockets finished out a perfect preseason (4-0) with Thursday’s 133-115 victory at Atlanta, in which second-year guard Reed Sheppard (29 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks) stuffed the stat sheet. Our Houston-based postgame show, featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, offers immediate reaction — along with insight on the upcoming contract-extension deadline for Tari Eason.The episode can be viewed in video form here, via the ClutchFans YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5H7YddfNPo
2025-10-1734 minRockets LaunchPodClutchFans Live: Reaction to Rockets’ preseason win over PelicansTuesday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show features reaction from Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty to Houston’s 130-128 exhibition victory over New Orleans. The Rockets are now 3-0 in preseason play.Topics include a big night for Jabari Smith Jr.; the implications of starting a “double big” lineup with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams; and whether defensive concerns are warranted.The episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5u1_5sSYM
2025-10-1531 min
Rockets LaunchPodPreseason takeaways: An identity shift for the Rockets?Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Friday’s episode features reaction to Houston’s 2-0 start to preseason play. Topics include strong showings from the likes of Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as early indications that the Rockets’ identity this season might be more driven by their offense.With a focus on player evaluations, the show concludes with a look at Ime Udoka’s end-of-the-rotation options and how much players such as Clint Capela and JD Davison might play off the bench.
2025-10-1059 minRockets LaunchPodClutchFans Live: Kevin Durant dazzles in his Houston debutAs part of a “ClutchFans Live” postgame show, Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty recap Houston’s 140-127 victory over Utah on Wednesday night. The Rockets are now 2-0 in preseason play.Topics include an electric Rockets debut for Kevin Durant, who had 20 points (70% FG) on elite efficiency in only 23 minutes. The discussion also hits on Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard, who all showed promising signs — perhaps due in large part to the attention drawn by KD.Defensively, however, the Rockets gave up 20 made 3-pointers on nearly 45% shooting. Could Houston’s identity be shiftin...
2025-10-0933 minRockets LaunchPodAlperen Sengun, JD Davison shine as Rockets open preseasonIn a “ClutchFans Live” postgame show, Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty recap Houston’s victory over Atlanta to open the 2025-26 preseason. Topics include strong performances by Alperen Sengun and JD Davison, as well as a somewhat underwhelming showing by Reed Sheppard as the starting point guard. The episode can be viewed in video form on YouTube.www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb8ImorC0To
2025-10-0729 min
Rockets LaunchPodEmergency pod: Rockets lose Fred VanVleet to ACL tearMonday’s emergency podcast features a roundtable forum of Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty (@ClutchFans) reacting to Fred VanVleet’s potentially season ending ACL tear. Topics include the Rockets’ internal and external options to fill his role at point guard, as well as why the shocking news isn’t necessarily the end of Houston’s 2026 championship hopes.
2025-09-231h 09Rockets LaunchPodFifth starter debate, lineup optimization, Alperen Sengun dazzles at EuroBasketPer head coach Ime Udoka, Houston will have an open competition at training camp for its fifth and final spot in the starting lineup. Friday’s show features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to the news, including a look at the pros and cons of Jabari Smith Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, and Tari Eason in that role.The episode also explores potential strategies to optimize each unit of the playing rotation, along with perspective on Alperen Sengun’s elite EuroBasket play for Turkey and its potential implications for the 2025-26 Rockets.
2025-09-191h 15Rockets LaunchPod2025-26 schedule reaction and Kevin Durant extension rumorsFriday’s show with Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves features reaction to Houston’s newly released schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season, as well as recent rumors regarding Kevin Durant’s next contract and why it might not be finalized this offseason.
2025-08-151h 14Rockets LaunchPodAll 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 24Rockets LaunchPodDorian 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 minRockets LaunchPodEmergency 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 minRockets LaunchPodRumor 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 minRockets LaunchPodHow 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 minRockets LaunchPodStock 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 26Rockets LaunchPodCrash 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 minRockets LaunchPodRockets 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 minRockets LaunchPodSeven 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 minRockets LaunchPodInstant 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 minRockets LaunchPodAs 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 05Rockets LaunchPodHas 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 minRockets LaunchPodTwo-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 01Rockets LaunchPodMinicast: 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 min