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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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40:13

Rockets 120, Nets 96: Win streak reaches four on New...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2026/01/02

With a New Year’s Day blowout in Brooklyn, the Rockets (21-10) have now won four straight games. Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show— featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardistry, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com — breaks down all the key takeaways after a 24-point victory over the Nets.Topics include the healthy return of Alperen Sengun; another big game from Kevin Durant; and positive signs from the “terror twins” duo of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.

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54:11

New year, new Rockets? As 2026 nears, Kevin Durant...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/29

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

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29:47

Rockets 117, Cavs 100: Defense improves, Kevin Durant...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/28

By routing Cleveland, the Rockets (19-10) are back up to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and their once leaky defense has held two straight opponents to 100 points or less.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways after two dominant wins versus the Lakers and Cavaliers. Topics include elite scoring efficiency from Kevin Durant; what the return of Dorian Finney-Smith means for Houston’s defense; and the short-term

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27:31

Tough road trip ends with Christmas gift in Los Angeles

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/26

The Rockets (18-10) went 2-4 on their season-long road trip in December, including losses to multiple teams with records near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Yet, they ended it with a flourish thanks to a Christmas night beatdown of the Lakers (19-10).With Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty as hosts, Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines. Topics include Dorian Finney-Smith’s return and Tari Eason’s promotion to the starting lineup; a breakout

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31:44

Rockets 115, Nuggets 101: Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/21

With a much-improved defensive effort and elite shooting and playmaking from Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston (17-8) got its revenge on the Nuggets (20-7) in Saturday’s emphatic win at Denver.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines and takeaways. Discussion topics include the impact of Durant’s leadership in recent days; Smith’s evolution into a high-level role player for the Rockets; and whether

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34:17

Defenseless December: Rockets lament ‘embarrassing’...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/19

After a strong start to the 2025-26 season, Houston’s defensive rating is now in the bottom half of the NBA for December. Not coincidentally, the Rockets (16-8) currently have a losing record (3-4) for the month.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our latest “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the frustrations after the Rockets blew a 25-point lead in the second half versus the lowly Pelicans (6-22). Topics include the clear defensive regression; struggles to involve Kevin Durant in

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57:42

Will Houston make a splash in the NBA’s 2025-26 trade...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/12

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

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28:07

Late Amen Thompson takeover leads Rockets (16-6) past...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/12

Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to Houston’s 115-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (6-19). The Rockets are now 16-6 on the 2025-26 NBA season.Topics include a fourth-quarter takeover by Amen Thompson (12 points in the frame on perfect shooting); relatively inefficient nights from Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun; and the difficult six-game road trip ahead.This episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QwnC27gxyE

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88:11

Quarter pole review: Key takeaways, questions for...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/09

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;

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30:08

Rockets 117, Suns 98: Kevin Durant makes history,...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/06

The Rockets (15-5) are now No. 2 in the Western Conference standings after Friday’s blowout victory over Dillon Brooks and the Phoenix Suns. Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the highlights, including a career milestone for Kevin Durant (31,000 points) and more promising signs from Amen Thompson (game-high 31 points, +33).This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoD_duJJm0U

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27:19

Jazz 133, Rockets 125: Will Houston have a...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/02

After routing the Jazz one day earlier, the Rockets fell short on night two of a road back-to-back. For Houston (13-5), Monday’s setback was just its third loss in 16 games.On the “ClutchFans Live” podcast show, Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty break down the key storylines, including defensive and rebounding issues that surfaced once Steven Adams (rest) was held out. With injuries and absences piling up, the prospect of more back-to-backs in the days and weeks ahead could prove daunting.This episode

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30:15

Rockets (13-4) silence Jazz as Kevin Durant makes...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/12/01

The Rockets closed out November with Sunday’s 129-101 victory at Utah, which gives Houston (13-4) 13 wins in its last 15 games, overall.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Sunday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways. Topics include Kevin Durant’s uber-efficient return; a much-improved defense; and an apparent promotion to the starting lineup for Reed Sheppard.

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25:30

Rockets 114, Suns 92: Amen Thompson breaks out as...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/11/25

With All-Star forward Kevin Durant sidelined for personal reasons, Amen Thompson (28 points, 8 assists) picked up the slack in Houston’s 114-92 victory at Phoenix. The Rockets (11-4) have now won 11 of their last 13 contests, overall, while the Suns (11-7) lost for just the second time in 10 games.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Monday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways, including big nights from Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Aaron Holiday.

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66:27

Rockets injury updates and a case for starting Reed...

Rockets LaunchPod ·

2025/11/24

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

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202 results

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