The Lager Line

Training camp is now underway for the 2026-27 Rockets, and Houston's roster appears deeper and better thanks to the offseason addition of Marcus Smart and the healthy returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to on-court activity.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Friday's show wraps up the first week of camp, with particular emphasis on how Smart will change the team and why Ime Udoka is already declaring that “double big” lineups (featuring Adams and Alperen Sengun) are back on the menu.Other discussion topics include closing thoughts on Media Day and Amen Thompson's recent contract extension, as well as early thoughts on Kevin Durant's contractual status (2027 player option) entering this season.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

In Wednesday's show, Ben DuBose (USA TODAY's Rockets Wire) and Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans) break down the key takeaways and themes as Houston opens training camp for its 2026-27 season.Topics include why Fred VanVleet (with a new knee) and Tari Eason (with a new contract) were standouts during Media Day interviews; what to make of blunt comments by All-NBA forward Kevin Durant; and how the offseason signing of Marcus Smart could already be paying dividends. Additional topics include reaction to commentary by Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, Steven Adams, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and more.If a stream is desired, this episode can be viewed in video form on YouTube.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we're playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

Varun Shankar, Rockets beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, joins Ben DuBose to break down the team's latest developments in its final days before 2026-27 training camp. The discussion begins with reaction to Amen Thompson's recent contract extension (five years, $208 million) and analysis of what the deal says about the negotiating prowess of GM Rafael Stone. Other topics include key questions and storylines to watch for at Media Day (Tuesday, September 22) and the opening of training camp (Wednesday, September 23). Discussion topics include the expected returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams; the possibility of a bounce-back season for Tari Eason; and the potential of role adjustments for players throughout the rotation.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

The dog days of the NBA offseason are officially here, so we're talking over-under lines and looking ahead to the start of training camp in late September.As part of Tuesday's episode, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer insights and predictions related to Houston's over-under betting lines for both regular-season wins (46.5) and Western Conference seed. In an over-under format, the show also explores potential minutes totals and usage for the top nine rotation players on the 2026-27 Rockets.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

Varun Shankar, Rockets beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, joins Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Paulo Alves to analyze and rank Houston's current stockpile of players and future draft assets. The show also includes insight on the team's 2026 offseason moves and where various players and draft picks may fit into the larger blueprint for general manager Rafael Stone.This episode can also be viewed in video form on YouTube.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

.The Rockets entered the NBA's 2026 offseason with a clear shooting deficiency, and their most important acquisition to try and fix that may not be a player.In Tuesday's show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down all the implications of Houston hiring “shot whisperer” Chip Engelland as an assistant coach. Topics include what it means for the current roster and its outlook for next season and beyond, as well as what the investment says about team owner Tilman Fertitta and head coach Ime Udoka.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

The Rockets are off to a 3-1 start at summer league, and Bruce Thornton and Isaiah Crawford are each showing promising signs for an NBA future.In Wednesday's show, our Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty (Editor of ClutchFans) share key takeaways from Las Vegas while also looking ahead to the remainder of the 2026 offseason. If Thornton and Marcus Smart prove to be Houston's flagship external additions, is that enough to be a Western Conference contender in 2026-27? Ben, Dave, and Paulo break down the pros and cons.

The Rockets opened 2026 free agency with a series of moves, including the external signings of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic; the re-signing of restricted free agent Tari Eason; and the departures of Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie.In Wednesday's show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments in Houston, including what appears to be a strategy to dip below the NBA's luxury tax line for the 2026-27 season.

The NBA's 2026 free agency window is now open for business, and the Rockets quickly reached agreements to sign both Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović. In Wednesday's show, Ben DuBose reviews the basketball and salary cap implications of both deals while also exploring the implications for the remainder of Houston's roster and the rest of the offseason.

As the NBA's 2026 free agency window opens, the Houston Rockets suddenly find themselves with more veteran insurance in the backcourt. Fred VanVleet officially opted into the final year of his previous contract, while Lakers guard Marcus Smart looks to be on the way as an external addition.Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Tuesday's show breaks down all the key implications of those moves while also providing additional analysis on recent draftee Bruce Thornton.

This week's NBA draft concluded with the Houston Rockets adding Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (second round) and North Carolina State guard/wing Quadir Copeland (UDFA) to their 2026-27 roster. In Thursday's show, our Ben DuBose reacts to the implications of both additions.The episode also looks ahead to the June 30 launch date of 2026 free agency, including internal contract considerations for Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason and analysis of why a major external trade (Jaylen Brown?) could be difficult to execute.

Tuesday's SportsTalk 790 interview features insight from Ben DuBose on what the Rockets are likely to do and consider during this week's NBA Draft. Topics include players that could be on the trading block; whether Houston could move into the first round; and considerations for the team's two second-round selections at No. 39 and No. 53, overall.

Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Thursday's show features insight and analysis pertaining to the 2026 NBA Finals, and specifically those Spurs-Knicks storylines with implications for the Rockets.The initial segment explores what fans should (and shouldn't) take away from Stephon Castle's stated preference to land in San Antonio — and not Houston — in the 2024 draft. The episode then transitions to a discussion of what the Spurs and Knicks have shown us regarding team-building strategies, as well as New York's unique tactical blueprint to try and slow Victor Wembanyama.

Championship yellow is back, as is the Dunkstronaut! Jose Lopez, senior creative director of the Rockets, and Taylor French, director of marketing operations, speak with Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty regarding Houston's new look for the 2026-27 season and beyond.Discussion topics include the intentionality behind changing the logos, jerseys, and uniforms; the process of working with the NBA, Nike, and other key stakeholders; feedback from players and ownership; and what the new look will mean for fans and the organization over the years ahead.The complete press release announcing the changes, along with photos and videos of the new threads, can be read at clutchfans.net.

After a few years of relative parity, the Spurs and Thunder appear to be entrenched juggernauts atop the West standings. As San Antonio and Oklahoma City square off in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, each features an MVP frontrunner and other young stars who should all remain in elite form for years to come.So, what does that mean for those teams a few slots beneath them, including the Houston Rockets? With a eye toward long-term roster planning, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves mull over all the scenarios in our latest podcast.Topics include the merits of a “strategic step back” this offseason; why “all-in” transactions are becoming increasingly undesirable; and whether Houston has the right leadership in place to execute a longer-term plan built around drafting and developing young players.

To quote Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, a “frustrating and disappointing season” concluded with Friday's series-ending loss in Game 6 versus the Los Angeles Lakers. For a second straight year, Houston went 52-30 in the regular season before bowing out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.With that in mind, hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments surrounding the Rockets, including an intriguing end-of-season press conference held by Stone and head coach Ime Udoka. Topics include the reasons for Houston's bouts of offensive ineptitude in the playoffs; whether Kevin Durant meshes with the team's young core; the complicated on-court fit of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard; offseason trade possibilities; and much more.

Today's episode features Matt Thomas, radio play-by-play voice of the Rockets, calling the second-half highlights of Wednesday's thrilling Game 5 victory in Los Angeles. With the Lakers now up 3-2 in the series, Game 6 is Friday night in Houston. The Rockets are hoping to become the first team in NBA playoff history (0-160) to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win, and they are already one of only 16 teams to push a series to Game 6 after losing the first three games.

No NBA team has ever won a playoff series after trailing 3-0. Can these Houston Rockets, who remain without injured star Kevin Durant, somehow pull it off against LeBron James and the Lakers (who still have a 3-1 lead)?Ahead of Wednesday's pivotal Game 5 in Los Angeles, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves are joined by ClutchFans' Dave Hardisty to explore the lay of the land. Topics include the outlook for Durant; key players to watch for; and the potential for major offseason changes, should Houston still lose its first-round series.This episode can also be viewed in video form here.

Despite drawing what appeared to be a friendly first-round matchup, the Rockets now trail 2-0 in their best-of-seven series versus the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers.With Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves as hosts, Thursday's episode offers background and perspective on all the key takeaways from the 2026 NBA playoffs. The show begins by discussing the reasons behind Houston's offensive downturn and whether Ime Udoka can find answers to turn things around later in the series.From there, Ben and Paulo debate how much blame should go to the players, coaches, and the front office, as well as potential team-building implications over the months and years ahead.

Did Kevin Durant and the Rockets (52-30, No. 5 in Western Conference) get an unexpected gift by drawing LeBron James and the injury riddled Lakers (53-29, No. 4) as their first-round opponent?Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday's show breaks down the pros and cons of the playoff matchup, from a Houston perspective. Topics include series X-factors; where things could go right or wrong; a key starting lineup decision for Ime Udoka; and predictions.

As the 2026 playoffs approach, the Rockets are on a season-best winning streak of six games and counting, and they could be peaking at the right time. Houston (49-29) enters Tuesday at No. 5 in the Western Conference standings and within a game of the injury ravaged Los Angeles Lakers (50-28), and their struggles might lead the Rockets to a friendlier postseason matchup and possibly even home-court advantage (a top-four seed) in the first round. Houston is 28-10 at home this season.With that in mind, Tuesday's full show — featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — breaks down all the latest developments surrounding the team. Topics include the importance of improved late-game offense in recent wins; continued growth from Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., who both made critical contributions in a thrilling victory at Golden State; key adjustments by Ime Udoka and the coaching staff; and a preview of the playoff race entering the final four games of the regular season.

Led by a resurgent showing from Alperen Sengun, Houston (45-29) enters the final day of March on a winning streak. So, in their last eight games before the NBA's 2026 playoffs, can the Rockets finally heat up and put themselves in position to make a run?In Tuesday's episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the highs and lows of the team's recent play. Topics include Sengun's upward trajectory; if lineup and rotation changes for players such as Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, and Jae'Sean Tate are likely to still be in effect by the playoffs; and whether the Lakers, Nuggets, or Timberwolves should be Houston's preferred first-round opponent.

In perhaps the most memorable game yet of Houston's 2025-26 season, Amen Thompson hit a game-winning tip shot at the buzzer as the Rockets rallied past Miami. At 43-27, Houston remains at No. 4 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings, which would put the Rockets in line to hold home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2026 playoffs.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday's “ClutchFans Live” postgame show recaps all the key storylines. Topics include brilliant games from Thompson and Reed Sheppard versus a quality opponent; the odds of Sheppard maintaining his new starting role into the playoffs; and the history made by Kevin Durant, who passed Michael Jordan for No. 5 in all-time NBA points.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiy6ETQkdsY

After two ugly losses in three games, the Rockets (39-24) have fallen back to No. 4 in the Western Conference and are close to falling out of the top four altogether — which would mean starting the 2026 playoffs on the road.So, what should Houston fans take away after a pair of concerning defeats to San Antonio and Golden State? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the key takeaways, including signs of regression from Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason; potential team-building implications for the 2026 offseason; and why Wednesday's opponent (the Denver Nuggets) could be a friendlier matchup for the Rockets, relative to the Spurs.

With another strong showing in Monday's victory at Washington, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is clearly making a push to start and finish more games. Houston (38-22) is now 5-2 since the All-Star break while continuing to hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.Featuring Ben DuBose, ClutchFans' Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, our Rockets-Wizards postgame show reacts to all the key storylines. Topics include injury management for the likes of Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.; what more starts for Sheppard could look like; and why a relatively quiet buyout market might point to a contract conversion for JD Davison or Isaiah Crawford.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXc48A8PXpI

Even after losing Saturday's game at Miami, the Rockets (37-22) remain at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings. When factoring in widespread injuries throughout Houston's roster, things could certainly be a lot worse.Yet, even with Kevin Durant in All-NBA form, there are still several questions to answer as the Rockets embark upon the final weeks of the regular season and what they hope is an extended run in the 2026 playoffs. Those questions include:With Steven Adams unavailable and Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle sprain) sidelined for at least a few days, is Alperen Sengun becoming a liability at center?Should Reed Sheppard start in the backcourt?Is Ime Udoka maximizing Houston's offense?Could a potential buyout signing make a difference?Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and ClutchFans' Dave Hardisty, Saturday's postgame show attempts to answer those questions while also offering key takeaways from that loss to the Heat. Tune in!This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvMphBfmsgA

Kevin Durant, burner or not, was scorching (35 points, 70% FG) in Houston's 105-101 victory at Charlotte. With the win, the Rockets (34-20) moved up to the No. 3 spot in the tightly packed Western Conference standings.Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Thursday night's “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key takeaways.Discussion topics include Durant setting the right tone; promising signs from two young players in Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard; and strong defensive performances off the bench from Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae'Sean Tate.

The Rockets entered the NBA's 2026 All-Star break at 33-20 and No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and they exit with something of a scandal on their hands.Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday's episode breaks down the alleged Kevin Durant “burner” controversy, along with reasons for on-court optimism heading into the final 29 games of the regular season.The show also looks ahead to Houston's probable run in the 2026 playoffs, and specifically what needs to happen in order for this season to be viewed as a success.

Houston didn't make a move at Thursday's in-season trade deadline, but the Rockets did get a much-needed victory in Saturday's 112-106 win at Oklahoma City.For the Rockets, it's their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league's best record.Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty, Saturday night's postgame show reacts to both the trade deadline and that nationally televised Rockets-Thunder showdown.Discussion points include offensive growth from Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; an apparent step forward for Alperen Sengun on defense; what general manager Rafael Stone considered at the deadline; and potential buyout options and trade targets over the coming weeks and months.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZfQqFRZMy0

The NBA's in-season trade deadline is this Thursday, and the Rockets are 8-2 in their last 10 games.So, is Houston (31-17, No. 4 in 2025-26 Western Conference) more or less likely to make a move? In our latest full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the pros and cons, including maximizing the Kevin Durant window while ensuring that the 2026-27 team is still set up for success.

On a relative off night for Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, it was two of Houston's emerging talents — Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. — who made the difference in Saturday's close win over Dallas.With the victory, the Rockets (30-17) enter February at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key storylines from an ABC primetime showdown. Topics include a brilliant showing by rising Mavericks star Cooper Flagg; why improvements from the likes of Thompson, Smith, Tari Eason, and Josh Okogie are part of a broader trend; defensive concerns with Reed Sheppard and Sengun; and Houston's expectations entering the week of the NBA's in-season trade deadline.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n772NV2SPaI

After going 0-3 in December on the second game of back-to-backs, the Rockets are 3-0 in January — and elite performances by 37-year-old Kevin Durant continue to be the biggest reason.With Thursday's win at Atlanta, Houston (29-17) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame recap breaks down all the key takeaways. Topics include a strong defensive showing against the Hawks; encouraging signs from Durant, Clint Capela, and Jabari Smith Jr.; and a sluggish night from Alperen Sengun.Friday's show also looks ahead to next week's in-season trade deadline and what it might look like for the Rockets, particularly after losing Steven Adams to a season-ending ankle injury.

As the second half of their regular season begins, the Rockets are 15-3 at home and 12-13 on the road. But their latest road win, which came Friday at Detroit on night two of a back-to-back, was perhaps their most impressive of the entire 2025-26 campaign.The Rockets (27-16) and Pistons (32-11) remain at No. 4 and No. 1, respectively, in the Western and Eastern Conference standings.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Friday's “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines from that statement victory. Topics include the physical and mental dominance of Kevin Durant; a somewhat underwhelming night on defense from Alperen Sengun; and promising signs from the likes of Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKBQOSCDeJk 

After a prolonged stretch of mediocrity, the Rockets (26-15) completed their recent homestand at 4-1, punctuated by a statement win over a key Western Conference rival.By defeating San Antonio (30-14), Houston moved up to the No. 4 spot in the West standings, and the Rockets only trail the second-seeded Spurs by a game in the loss column.So, have the Rockets finally turned a corner, and are they a legitimate contender? In Thursday's show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves debate the pros and cons.Topics include a recent regression by Alperen Sengun on defense; encouraging signs of growth from Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; the impact of losing Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain) for an extended period; and whether the team's striking home-versus-road splits (15-3 in Houston, 11-12 away) could make capturing home-court advantage for the playoffs even more important.

Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans), and Adam Clanton (SportsTalk 790), Wednesday's Rockets-Spurs game recap breaks down Houston's 111-106 victory over its in-state divisional rival.With the win, Houston (26-15, No. 4 in Western Conference) is only a game back in the loss column of second-seeded San Antonio (30-14).Discussion topics include efficient and clutch showings from Reed Sheppard (21 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (17 points); what Ime Udoka is likely to do in the absence of Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain); and how the Rockets kept Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (5-of-21 shooting) in check.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iXsYBEj0k