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PODCAST

Rockets LaunchPod

Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2025-26 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the performance of star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

sports basketball

All Episodes

52:16

Ime Udoka stays the course with Rockets, Jalen Green

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/02/22

After hinting at a potential change to Houston’s starting lineup, head coach Ime Udoka announced at Wednesday’s practice that the Rockets will stay the course for the time being. What does that say about the future of Jalen Green, who has been Houston’s most inconsistent starter? Thursday’s show explores that angle and more, including what the return of Fred VanVleet and Cam Whitmore can do as Houston enters a tough scheduling stretch out of the All-Star break.

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66:42

Lineup changes: What is Ime Udoka hinting at?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/02/16

The Rockets (24-30) enter the NBA’s 2024 All-Star break with five losses in six games, and head coach Ime Udoka is hinting at possible changes to his lineup and rotation.What could those be, and will it be worthwhile? Friday’s podcast explores the possibilities, including the pros and cons of potentially starting Amen Thompson or Cam Whitmore over Jalen Green — assuming Fred VanVleet returns from injury at point guard.

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62:28

On Jalen Green’s resurgence and the Steven Adams trade

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/02/02

After an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 season, third-year guard Jalen Green has exploded of late, averaging nearly 30 points per game on outstanding efficiency over Houston’s last five games.So, is it sustainable, and does it change how the Rockets approach the remainder of the season and the NBA’s February 8 deadline for in-season trades? Friday’s show explores those angles and more, including the confirmed trade for Memphis center Steven Adams; rumors of a potential deal for Brooklyn’s Mikal

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78:38

Dry January continues for Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/01/26

After Wednesday’s heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Portland, the Rockets are just 3-8 in their last 11 games. Is it time to reset expectations after a rough January?Friday’s show explores a new sobering reality in Houston, where the Rockets have consistently played below average on both ends of the court since losing Tari Eason to injury. Fortunately, the discussion does find one silver lining in the form of the Nets, who are 2-12 in their last 14 games while boosting Houston’s first-round

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62:51

What’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/01/19

Friday’s show explores what’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip that dropped Houston (19-21) outside of the Western Conference play-in tournament field, as things currently stand.Topics include reasons not to be concerned about the squad’s recent defensive downturn — and conversely, why Houston’s season-long struggles on offense are more troubling.The show also explores areas of potential growth and improvement, including the feasibility of changing Jalen Green’s spot in the starting lineup

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74:02

Lessons learned from Rockets’ heartbreak in Chicago

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/01/12

Friday’s show reacts to a heartbreaking Rockets loss in Chicago and shares some lessons learned for upcoming games. Topics include the importance of running late-game offense through Alperen Sengun; missed opportunities for Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore; the impact of the Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason injuries; and more.

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92:10

Can Alperen Sengun be an All-Star and a max player in...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2024/01/05

Happy New Year! 2024 is starting on a great note for the Rockets (17-15), who defeated Brooklyn and Detroit by double digits thanks in large part to spectacular play from Alperen Sengun.With that in mind, Friday’s show explores whether Houston’s third-year big man can earn All-Star honors this season, as well as his potential to receive a maximum salaried contract extension in the offseason. Other topics include the increasing roles of rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, as well as what their

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71:56

Rockets, NBA trade season preview with Karthik Prasad

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/12/20

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

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72:37

Rockets streaking again as Tari Eason’s surge offsets...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/12/15

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.;

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63:13

As Houston’s offense sputters, is Jabari Smith Jr....

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/12/05

The Rockets continue to excel at home, where they are 8-1, but struggle on the road, where they remain the NBA’s only winless (0-8) team. One reason is Houston’s inconsistent offense, which ranks No. 20 in the league in net rating.Tuesday’s episode explores areas for potential improvement, including what optimal roles and usage should be for key prospects such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson.

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58:16

As Jalen Green goes, so goes Rockets’ offense

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/11/24

Friday’s episode reviews the extreme peaks and valleys of Jalen Green this season and explores strategies that Rockets coach Ime Udoka could adopt in hopes of minimizing the low points. With Houston (7-6) ranking No. 18 in the NBA in offense, Green appears to be the key variable.Other topics include insight on how Udoka and the Rockets have built a top-five defense and the implications of Amen Thompson’s looming return from injury in the games ahead.

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83:15

Six straight! Key themes to Rockets’ ongoing win streak

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/11/14

Tuesday’s episode of The Lager Line, sponsored by Karbach Brewing, features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s six-game winning streak. Rockets topics include the roles of veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green in closing out games; Alperen Sengun’s evolution into a star big man; Ime Udoka’s impressive coaching decisions; and what to make of inconsistency by young prospects Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.

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65:48

Winning streak! How Rockets could be turning a corner

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/11/06

After an 0-3 start to the 2023-24 season, Houston enters this week at 2-3 and having won two straight games by an average margin of 14 points. Monday’s episode explores reasons behind the improvement, led by Ime Udoka’s new-look defense and positive signs from Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, and Jae’Sean Tate.The show also breaks down the uneven start by top prospects Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., including some issues that should be corrected with a larger sample size and others

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48:27

Creative director Jose Lopez on new City jerseys and...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/11/03

Jose Lopez, senior creative director for the Rockets, joins Friday’s show with exclusive details on the process leading to Houston’s new City Edition uniforms and corresponding court at Toyota Center for the 2023-24 NBA season.In an extended interview, Lopez explains the process of working with the league office and apparel manufacturer Nike on jersey development, as well as creative insight on what ultimately led to a matching court design and alternate logo(s).Other discussion topics include

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65:50

Rockets time capsule: 2023-24 goals and expectations

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/10/25

Tuesday’s episode previews the start of the 2023-24 regular season for the Rockets (at Orlando and San Antonio, then a seven-game homestand) while also offering key themes and storylines to watch as the year progresses.Discussion topics include how Jabari Smith Jr. can build off an encouraging preseason; questions over Alperen Sengun’s fit with new coach Ime Udoka; perspective on Rafael Stone’s recent transactions to finalize the roster; and expectations for Houston’s final win-loss record.

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22:56

Gretchen Sheirr on 2023-24 Rockets business and beyond

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/10/21

Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, joins Saturday’s The Lager Line podcast to discuss what’s new for the 2023-24 team and beyond.Discussion topics include Houston’s offseason roster changes and why that sparked the “Liftoff” theme; what the newly formed Space City Home Network (SCHN) could mean to fans watching on television; and how the latest $30-million renovation phase will shape the future at Toyota Center.

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72:38

Key takeaways from Houston’s first two preseason games

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/10/14

Saturday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves regarding the first two games of the 2023-24 NBA preseason for the Rockets. Topics include Houston’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

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72:25

Reggie Bullock deal reaction, early training camp...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/10/04

Wednesday’s show features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s recent signing of veteran wing Reggie Bullock. The episode also breaks down key takeaways and quotes from Monday’s media day and the ensuing start of 2023-24 Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

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46:35

Three takeaways from 2023 Rockets Media Day

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/10/02

Fresh off Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center, Monday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose on key themes and takeaways. Topics include Houston’s new culture under Ime Udoka and a new-look coaching staff; how the additions of several veterans could play a key role in the 2023-24 season; and why Kevin Porter Jr. already appears to be something of an afterthought for the organization.

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102:55

Houston’s path forward without Kevin Porter Jr.

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2023/09/21

Thursday’s episode features long-form analysis by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves of the continued Kevin Porter Jr. fallout and what Houston’s future looks like without him. Discussion topics include plausible trade options; how losing Porter affects other players on the current team; and what the failed Porter experiment ultimately says (and doesn’t say) about the Rockets’ front office and ownership.

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185 results

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