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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
After a brilliant 13-4 start to the 2025-26 season, the Rockets (22-12) went just 9-8 in their second 17-game sample. With Houston now at No. 6 in the Western Conference standings, is it time for fans to recalibrate their expectations?In Friday's full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explore that question and numerous other January 2026 storylines surrounding the Rockets. Discussion topics include the role of Alperen Sengun's absence (right ankle sprain) in Houston's suddenly mediocre offense; how much criticism is warranted for Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; and whether the recent inconsistency could make a trade more likely by the in-season deadline of February 5.
The Rockets are 6-6 in December and recently wrapped up an underwhelming 2-4 road trip. Yet, a home victory tonight versus Indiana would give Houston (19-10, No. 4 in the Western Conference standings) a three-game winning streak to end the 2025 portion of its schedule. Presented by ClutchFans and hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Monday's full show breaks down all of the latest developments surrounding the team. Topics include Kevin Durant's efficient scoring binge; the implications of Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith returning healthy; and revised expectations for what has been a very inconsistent defense in recent weeks.
PRESIDENTE DO SINDICATO RURAL DE PINHEIRO MACHADO, PAULO ALVES, CONVIDA PARA 42a FEOVELHA - Podcast
In this roundtable episode, Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty (Editor of ClutchFans) preview the NBA's upcoming transaction window and its potential implications for the 16-6 Rockets.December 15 is when players who signed contracts in the preceding offseason become trade eligible, so the period from Monday until the February 5 in-season deadline is among the most active on the 2025-26 calendar. Discussion topics include roster needs and potential trade targets across the board, including the likelihood of bigger-name deals (such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and James Harden) and smaller acquisitions along the lines of Keon Ellis, Chris Paul, and Ayo Dosunmu.The show also explores Houston's potential desirability on the buyout market and the team's long-term timeline for title contention, and specifically why those factors might make this a relatively quiet trade window for the Rockets.
At 15-6, the Rockets are now at approximately the quarter pole of their 2025-26 regular season. With that in mind, as Houston tries to chase down the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday's podcast breaks down four key takeaways and questions surrounding the team after its first 21 games.With Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves as hosts; discussion topics on this episode include the steadying presence of Kevin Durant and an improving defense; the impact of an All-NBA leap from Alperen Sengun; inconsistent showings from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard; and the possibility of roster moves in the weeks ahead.
With All-Star forward Kevin Durant missing two games for personal reasons, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is in line for an expanded role with the Rockets (10-4), and potentially even a starting assignment. Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Monday's episode breaks down all the implications of Sheppard's recent rise. Other topics include insight on Houston's close loss to Denver; slightly underwhelming efficiency numbers from Durant; and the updated injury outlooks for Tari Eason (oblique) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle).
Featuring 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.
Segment 1: Asherman's Syndrome – A Hidden Cause Of Infertility Many couples deal with fertility issues, but not all are permanent. For Lisa McCarty, multiple miscarriages led doctors to discover a rare condition caused by scarring from trying to remove McCarty's placenta after her first pregnancy. Her journey to expand her family reveals how easily this condition can go unnoticed and the best treatments for healing. Segment 2: In-Flight Emergencies: What Medicine Looks Like 30,000 Feet In The Air With millions of people flying on airplanes at any given moment, it's not uncommon for a medical emergency to arise. A cardiologist who's helped during more than twenty in-flight incidents explains how airline crews and ground-based medical teams work together to save lives thousands of feet in the air. Dr. Paulo Alves reveals how quick thinking, evolving technology, and aviation medicine keep passengers safe when emergencies strike. Medical Notes: How To Get Rid Of Forever Chemicals, Why A Deep Breath Could Save Your Life, And Are You At Higher Risk For Chronic Depression? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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 be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMao3ZdviME
With millions of people flying on airplanes at any given moment, it's not uncommon for a medical emergency to arise. A cardiologist who's helped during more than twenty in-flight incidents explains how airline crews and ground-based medical teams work together to save lives thousands of feet in the air. Dr. Paulo Alves reveals how quick thinking, evolving technology, and aviation medicine keep passengers safe when emergencies strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With 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 form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C4F5xTVeKc
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.
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.
Monday'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.
Per 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.
Paulo Alves admite que os clássicos são sempre "super especiais". O antigo jogador do FC Porto e do Sporting espera um grande jogo e garante que resultado "é sempre uma incógnita".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday'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.
With 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 implications of Capela's surprising deal on future luxury tax considerations; and why leaders such as Rafael Stone and Patrick Fertitta deserve every bit of the praise they're receiving around the league.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this episode, GMAC is joined by Paulo Alves of The Lager Line to preview the Knicks matchup on Monday night against the Houston Rockets. Watch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! FOLLOW GMAC - @AndrewJClaudio_ FOLLOW PAULO - @PauloAlvesNBA SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BRUNSON TIER ON PATREON TO GET BONUS CONTENT FROM BENJY & DJ! FOR AN AD-FREE, UNINTERUPTED VERSION OF THIS EPISODE, SIGN UP FOR THE MELO TIER ON PATREON! CHECK OUT THE KFS MERCH STORE! SPONSORS: SHOP SKIMS MENS AT SKIMS.COM & LET THEM KNOW WE SENT YOU! AFTER YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER, SELECT "PODCAST" IN THE SURVERY & SELECT "KNICKS FILM SCHOOL" IN THE DROPDOWN MENU THAT FOLLOWS! DOWNLOAD THE DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK APP AND USE CODE “FILMSCHOOL” TO GET $200 IN BONUS BETS IF YOUR BET WINS, WHEN YOU BET JUST $5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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.
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.
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.
Friday'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 Angeles, including insight on whether any current Houston players have a path to playing for Team USA.
Thursday'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.
As 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.
Bryan 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.
Though 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 up with a preliminary look at internal decisions to come involving Houston's pending free agents and players with 2024 team options. Those include Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Jae'Sean Tate, Jeff Green, Reggie Bullock Jr., and more.
In 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 Smith Jr. while analyzing how it could translate alongside Alperen Sengun (currently out due to injury) during the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
The streak continues! The Rockets (36-35) are back above .500 for the first time since early January, and they've won nine straight games for the first time in over five years. Their 11-1 record in March leads the NBA, and they're only a game back of Golden State (37-34) in the Western Conference play-in tournament race. The Warriors play at Houston next Thursday, April 4. So, how did the Rockets dramatically turn this season around? Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Wednesday's podcast, including what Ime Udoka and Jalen Green are doing right and keys to success during a challenging schedule over the next week.
The Rockets (32-35) are 7-1 in March with a five-game winning streak, and Jalen Green is the Western Conference Player of the Week. With those recent wins, Houston's hopes of a play-in tournament push in the West are suddenly very much alive.Where did things turn, and what does it mean in the big picture? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break it all down in Tuesday's episode, which also features insight on Amen Thompson's promotion to the starting lineup and areas for further growth within the team.
Karthik Prasad (@StanfordKP) joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves for a roundtable chat regarding NBA trade season, which unofficially begins each December 15—the annual date at which most players who signed new contracts in the previous offseason can be dealt.From a Rockets perspective, this means that players who signed deals in 2023 free agency (including Jock Landale's tradable contract) can now officially be moved. Victor Oladipo, who was acquired for salary reasons in the trade offloading Kevin Porter Jr. in October, can also be traded in packages since the 60-day aggregation waiting period has expired.With that in mind, what are the possibilities for GM Rafael Stone, and how aggressive should the Rockets be at the start of “phase two” of their rebuild? Karthik, Ben, and Paulo explore the various scenarios, including the potential to acquire a bigger name such as Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray; whether Jalen Green is still the optimal long-term fit at shooting guard; and smaller trade scenarios that could boost this season's team, like a deal for Atlanta big man Clint Capela.
For a second time in under two months, the Rockets (12-9) have won at least four straight games, and they're currently on pace to go 47-35 for the 2023-24 season as a whole. This time, Houston is doing it even amid a sluggish week by third-year prospects Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. So, how are the Rockets getting it done? Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Friday's episode (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks it all down. Topics include a continued surge by Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; steady and perhaps undervalued play by Fred VanVleet; potential reasons for Green and Sengun's underperformance; and Ime Udoka's creative usage of what's becoming a fairly deep rotation.