x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

70:08

Rockets extend winning streak with impressive late...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/04/07

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

en

58:19

As playoffs loom, can Rockets change the narrative?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/03/31

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

en

33:23

Rockets 123, Heat 122: Game of the season?

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/03/22

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

en

62:48

Failure to launch: Losses to Spurs, Warriors show...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/03/10

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

en

29:35

Rockets improve to 38-22, Reed Sheppard makes case to...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/03/03

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

en

46:31

Lions or lambs? Rockets enter March at No. 3 in West,...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/03/01

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

en

31:21

Kevin Durant burns Hornets as Rockets (34-20) rise to...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/02/20

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;

en

58:15

Rockets, Kevin Durant burn through All-Star break

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/02/18

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

en

49:22

Trade deadline reaction, Rockets-Thunder takeaways

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/02/08

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

en

52:15

Rockets enter trade deadline at 8-2 in last 10 games

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/02/04

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.

en

28:14

Rockets 111, Mavs 107: Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/02/01

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

en

34:33

Rockets 104, Hawks 86: Kevin Durant leads another...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/30

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

en

32:56

Rockets 111, Pistons 104: Kevin Durant sets tone on road

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/24

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

en

56:55

After 4-1 homestand and statement win, have Rockets...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/22

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

en

32:53

Rockets 111, Spurs 106: Reed Sheppard leads valiant...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/22

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

en

30:34

Jabari Smith Jr. steps up, Steven Adams goes down as...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/19

Jabari Smith Jr. finished with a season-high 32 points and seven 3-point makes on Sunday, leading Houston (25-15) to a nine-point victory over New Orleans (10-35). However, veteran center Steven Adams was lost to an ankle injury, which appeared serious at the time.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” show offers postgame reaction from Toyota Center, where the Rockets are now 14-3 this season.Discussion topics include why Smith is becoming even more important in the aftermath

en

27:22

Thunder silence Rockets as Houston’s offense lacks...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/16

In a nationally televised showdown against the defending NBA champions, Oklahoma City’s defense suffocated the Rockets in a 111-91 victory. Houston fell to 23-15 and remains at No. 6 in the Western Conference, while the Thunder hold the league’s best record at 35-7.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” show offers postgame reaction to Thursday’s letdown at Toyota Center. Topics include a sustained shooting slump across the roster; subpar trend lines for Reed Sheppard and

en

33:14

Rockets 119, Bulls 113: Losing streak ends as Jabari...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/14

After three dreadful shooting games — all road losses for the Rockets — from Jabari Smith Jr., Houston’s fourth-year forward finally broke out in Tuesday’s 119-113 win over the Chicago Bulls. The Rockets (23-14) are now 12-2 in home games this season, with 12 wins in their last 13 games at Toyota Center.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways from Houston’s latest victory, including big nights from the high-profile trio of Kevin

en

65:30

Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/09

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

en

28:53

Rockets 100, Suns 97: Kevin Durant shows a flair for...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/06

Thanks to Kevin Durant’s last-second dagger versus Phoenix, the Rockets (22-11) have now five of six games and are 11-1 in their last 12 home games at Toyota Center.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Monday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways from Houston’s third consecutive victory over the Suns (21-15).Discussion topics include the healthy return of Steven Adams (11 rebounds); frustrating lapses pertaining to defense and turnovers; and how Durant (26 points, 10

en

216 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN