The Lager Line

The Rockets agreed Saturday to extend the contract of veteran center Steven Adams for three years and $39 million. Our rapid reaction podcast explores motivations for the deal and its implications, both for next season's rotation and the potential of larger deals this offseason.

With trade talks surrounding the Phoenix Suns and All-Star forward Kevin Durant potentially entering the closing stage, it appears Houston remains among the top suitors. Saturday's podcast explores the landscape and the price points at which it makes sense for the Rockets to get a deal done (or walk away).

When the 2025 NBA Finals conclude in a few days, teams across the league will be able to exclusively negotiate with their own pending free agents. With the Rockets, that includes names such as Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae'Sean Tate.So, with Houston's payroll on the rise, what internal deals are likely to make basketball and business sense? Tuesday's podcast explores the parameters, including why new three-year contracts for VanVleet (around $90 to $100 million, in total) and Adams ($40 to $45 million, in total) could be the sweet spot for both the player and team.

Wednesday'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.

The Rockets remain a rumored trade suitor for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there hasn't been much new intel since the NBA's May 12 draft lottery. With that in mind, Monday's show explores what Houston's criteria for any external deal is likely to be in the weeks leading up to the June 25 draft and the June 30 opening of free agency.

The 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 unlikely, but the longer-term concerns might push the Rockets to be a bit more aggressive in the short-term, themselves.

Hosted 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.

After 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 and Fred VanVleet.

After once trailing the Warriors, 3-1, in their first-round playoff series, the Rockets have defied the odds to force a Game 7 in Houston! Saturday's mini-episode features a compilation of radio calls (via Matt Thomas, Rockets Radio Network) from Friday's thrilling Game 6 victory at Golden State, along with an exclusive postgame interview (12:00) with veteran center Steven Adams.

After falling behind, 3-1, in their first-round playoff series, the Rockets survived their first elimination game versus the Warriors with a home blowout in Game 5. Can they do the same in Friday's Game 6 at Golden State and force a decisive Game 7 back in Houston?With a pivotal weekend ahead, Thursday's podcast explores what we've learned in recent games while sharing some keys to success in Game 6 and hopefully Game 7. Discussion points include recent improvements from Amen Thompson; the roles of Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams as key variables; and the importance of Thompson's defense versus Steph Curry.

After splitting the opening two games in Houston, the first-round playoff series between the Rockets and Warriors now shifts to Golden State for the next two games.Friday's episode explores what we learned from the first two contests, including encouraging signs from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green; Houston's relatively strong defensive effort against Steph Curry; and the role of Jimmy Butler's uncertain health in upcoming games.

Is 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.

The NBA's 2024-25 postseason begins with Tuesday night's play-in tournament games — and in the Western Conference, the Golden State/Memphis winner will earn the No. 7 playoff seed and a date with the No. 2 Rockets in a first-round series. With that in mind, our latest show explores key variables and storylines for the Rockets (52-30) entering the 2025 playoffs.Discussion topics s include whether the Warriors or Grizzlies would be a better matchup; arguments for Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Green, and Ime Udoka as playoff X-factors; perpsective on what we saw in the closing games of the regular season; and the implications of Phoenix (36-46) missing the playoffs and sending a 2025 draft lottery pick to Houston.

With Houston (52-28) now locked into the No. 2 seed in the 2025 Western Conference playoffs, Thursday's show explores the various considerations at play for Ime Udoka's squad.Discussion topics include the rest vs. rust debate as the regular season winds down; which potential playoff opponents are best for the Rockets' chances; and why the 2024-25 season should already be considered a success, even before the playoff run begins.

With 13 wins in their last 15 games, the Rockets (50-27) have officially clinched their first division title and NBA playoff berth in five years!Thursday's episode reflects on reasons to celebrate in Houston, along with what to watch for as the 2024-25 Rockets try to secure the West's No. 2 seed and position themselves for an extended playoff run in April and May. The latter likely requires a near-peak version of Fred VanVleet, whose health is suddenly in question again. Let's discuss!

With 10 regular-season games left, the Rockets (46-26) remain at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, though their margin has narrowed after Sunday's home loss to No. 3 Denver (45-28). Tuesday's show (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks down what to watch for down the home stretch of the 2024-25 season. Topics include strategies for Houston to get back to its elite defensive play from earlier in the season; questions surrounding the usage of Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason; and a scheduling breakdown of where the Rockets stand relative to other West contenders.t.

Despite 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.

With Amen Thompson sidelined by injury, the Rockets (40-25) have begun experimenting with bigger lineups, and it seems to be working — as evidenced by Houston's three-game winning streak.With that in mind, Wednesday's show explores the short- and long-term feasibility of the Alperen Sengun-Steven Adams “double big” lineup, along with insight on Jabari Smith Jr.'s recent surge and his viability as a 6-foot-11 small forward.The episode concludes with a look at the Western Conference playoff race and whether the No. 5 Rockets can catch one of the three teams just ahead of them (Nuggets, Lakers, and Grizzlies) in the standings.

The Rockets (39-25, No. 5 in West) enter Monday coming off back-to-back wins but needing to navigate a new short-term reality without second-year star Amen Thompson, who is out for at least 10-to-14 days with a left ankle sprain.With that in mind, our reaction show explores why the injury may have come at a fortunate time of Houston's schedule; what lineups Ime Udoka can rely on in Thompson's absence; and why Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun could be the players with the most responsibility to step up.

With 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.

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 season of Reed Sheppard.

With widespread injuries up and down the roster, the Rockets aren't at their best in February 2025, as evidenced by six losses in their last seven games. They also went through a relatively quiet in-season trade deadline window, with general manager Rafael Stone only making a pair of moves to acquire future second-round NBA draft capital.With that in mind, Tuesday's show explores why the time wasn't right for Houston (33-20) to make a big splash, along with insight on why better days could soon be ahead for the on-court product.

As Amen Thompson's brilliant play continues, the Rockets (32-14) enter Thursday with four straight wins and an 11-3 record in January. That mark includes three flagship victories in the past week, and two on the road, over the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-9) and defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (33-15).So, is Houston thinking title contention as soon as the 2025 playoffs? Thursday's show explores reasons for optimism and caution, along with a preview of next week's in-season trade deadline (Feb. 6) and what moves might make sense for both short- and longer-term considerations.

With the second half of the 2024-25 NBA season officially underway, this week's episode reviews what we've learned about the Rockets (28-14), who remain in an impressive No. 2 standings spot in the Western Conference.Topics include some regression in recent weeks from Alperen Sengun and Houston's team defense; why the ascension of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson has largely offset that; and important lineup and rotation considerations moving forward involving players such as Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and more.

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.

With both Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in starring roles, the Rockets (26-12) have won four straight games and are holding a strong No. 2 placement in the Western Conference standings. Tuesday's episode explores how Houston is getting it done, including the sustainability of both Green and Thompson retaining their current lineup roles and performance levels.

Sunday'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.

Happy New Year! With 2025 now here, Friday's show looks ahead to the games, weeks, and months ahead for Ime Udoka and a much-improved Houston team.Topics include the importance of carving out a rotation role for Cam Whitmore; the impact of newfound uncertainty surrounding the health of Tari Eason's left leg; and if or when the Rockets (22-11) will be ready to make a marquee trade this year.

Thanks to another lethargic showing on offense, the Rockets (17-9) lost in the semifinals of the NBA Cup to the Thunder. But on the back of elite defense, they did make it to Las Vegas after finally ending a prolonged losing streak to the Warriors in the quarterfinal.With the schedule on a brief Cup-related pause, Wednesday's show explores what we've learned about the 2024-25 Rockets with the regular season about a third complete. Discussion topics include why the Rockets' reality is better than many current perceptions; whether it's time to make any drastic changes to the offense and the role of struggling veteran Fred VanVleet; and how the upcoming schedule offers a big opportunity as the calendar heads toward 2025.

Tuesday's episode features a preview of Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal versus Golden State and reaction to Houston's 1-2 road trip against the Kings, Warriors, and Clippers.Topics include matchup difficulties with the Warriors; potential reasons for the up-and-down play of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; predictions for the NBA Cup knockout rounds; and why fans of the Rockets should still be quite pleased with a 16-8 start to the 2024-25 season and the team's current placement at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings.

After 10 wins in 12 games, the Rockets (15-6, 3-0) entered Tuesday just a half-game back of Oklahoma City for first place in the Western Conference. In an unbeaten Thanksgiving week, Houston secured a statement win at Minnesota — clinching its NBA Cup group — before posting an even more impressive victory at home versus the Thunder.With that in mind, our latest show explores all the associated angles and ripple effects. Discussion topics include the implications of improved play by Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr.; opportunities for further team improvement, both internally and through external trades; and lessons to be learned when it comes to team building in the modern NBA.

Despite a rough November from Jalen Green, the defensively stout Rockets (12-6) have climbed to No. 3 in the West standings and first place in their NBA Cup group.Monday's episode explores how they've done it, led by promising signs from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson; the current levels of concern with Green; and what to watch for as Houston's schedule gets more difficult, starting with a crucial NBA Cup game at Minnesota on Tuesday

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 mega-deal might look like and scenarios where it would and wouldn't make sense for the Rockets.

Two 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.

After 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 starts by Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet.

Tuesday'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.

Tuesday'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.

Monday'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.

Thursday's episode features more insight related to the ongoing 2024-25 preseason for the Rockets (2-1). Topics include encouraging signs from Steven Adams and Dillon Brooks; questions with Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore; and notes surrounding the remainder of Houston's roster.

With 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.

After 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 the roster, such as Steven Adams and rookie Reed Sheppard, could make an impact as the Rockets work to return to the Western Conference playoffs for the first time in five years.

Matt Thomas, radio play-by-play voice of the Rockets and former public address (PA) announcer at Toyota Center, joins Thursday's episode with insight on the 2024-25 season and beyond. Thomas hosts “The Matt Thomas Show” each weekday on SportsTalk 790, the team's flagship radio station.Discussion topics include the importance of Houston's new training center and practice facility; storylines to watch in training camp, which starts Oct. 1; early impressions of Tilman Fertitta as owner and Ime Udoka as head coach; and key considerations and variables for the live announcing of NBA games.The episode, which continues a “meet the Rockets' broadcasters” series (Space City Home Network's Vanessa Richardson joined earlier this month), also explores what expectations should be for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. Topics there involve the continued development of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun and whether postseason basketball in April 2025 is realistic in Houston.