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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

86:04

Stock up, stock down, hold: Evaluating Rockets in...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/05/08

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.

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45:49

Crash landing: Rockets’ offense ‘lays an egg’ in Game 7

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/05/06

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

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14:31

Matt Thomas highlights: Rockets win Game 6 at Golden...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/05/03

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.

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38:31

Clutch City redux: Can Houston save its season at...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/05/02

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

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80:09

Rockets-Warriors series: Playoff takeaways from split...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/04/25

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.

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47:08

Rockets vs. Warriors: Series predictions and keys to...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/04/17

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.

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84:21

2025 NBA playoffs: Key variables, storylines for Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/04/15

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.,

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42:45

Rest vs. rust: Playoff preferences for No. 2 Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/04/10

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.

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31:40

In 50th win, Rockets clinch first playoff berth,...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/04/03

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!

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74:59

Ten games left: Keys for Rockets in final playoff push

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/03/25

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

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39:46

Seven straight! Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. shine...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/03/19

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.

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58:11

In ‘double big’ era, jumbo lineups fuel Rockets

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/03/12

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

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32:26

Amen Thompson injury reaction and how Rockets can adjust

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/03/10

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

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37:21

Instant reaction as Rockets decide their...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/02/28

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.

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65:37

As Rockets get healthy, is a streak coming in March?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/02/25

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,

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66:35

Rockets limp toward All-Star break with injuries,...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/02/11

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

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76:11

Is Amen Thompson launching the Rockets into contention?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/01/30

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)

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61:26

State of the Rockets: What we learned in 2024-25...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/01/22

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

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13:24

Has Amen Thompson locked up a long-term starting spot?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/01/17

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.

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41:40

Rockets stack wins as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson take...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/01/14

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.

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185 results

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