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.

After a statement win at Dallas and a nearly historic comeback versus Golden State (which fell short in overtime), the Rockets (3-3) remain stuck on the launch pad as they hover near .500 early in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Prior to Monday’s home game versus New York, this interview segment explores the highs and lows leading to that inconsistency. Voices include The Lager Line’s Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Chris Gordy and Stan Norfleet.

Topics include promising signs by Tari Eason; potential counters as teams increasingly commit defensive resources to Jalen Green; and reasons for slow starts by Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet.

With the arrival of the slow period of the NBA’s 2024 offseason, Thursday’s fan episode features a five-man panel draft featuring esteemed players and coaches throughout Rockets history. The show also explores underappreciated themes to watch for once 2024-25 training camp opens in late September.

Play-by-play broadcaster Craig Ackerman joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to discuss key storylines for the 2022-23 season, along with some lessons learned from the preseason.

Topics include the ongoing process of integrating Alperen Sengun into Houston’s starting lineup, along with promising signs of development shown by young prospects such as Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Tari Eason, and KJ Martin.

Other discussion points involve Ackerman’s career perspective and his new broadcast team at AT&T SportsNet Southwest with Ryan Hollins and Vanessa Richardson, along with insight on the epic start to MLB's 2022 postseason by Yordan Alvarez and the Astros.

Friday’s episode features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to an eight-player trade between the Rockets and Thunder, which brought Derrick Favors and a future second-round pick to Houston, along with three other players. Discussion topics include financial and draft motivations for the deal, along with a look at its basketball merits.

The show concludes with a preview of Sunday’s preseason opener versus San Antonio and a look back at the first week of training camp, with an emphasis on the defensive culture being set by Jabari Smith Jr. and how Stephen Silas is tweaking Houston’s offense to best utilize Alperen Sengun.

Brian Barefield joins Ben DuBose from Houston Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with insight on the latest interviews and on-court activities.

Topics include the personal growth and maturity of Kevin Porter Jr.; prized rookie prospect Jabari Smith Jr. embracing the spotlight with vocal leadership; reasons for relative optimism this season; and much more.

In this episode, our Ben DuBose explores key storylines to watch for entering 2022-23 Rockets training camp, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The show begins with a look the importance of a strong camp and preseason for Kevin Porter Jr., particularly given the looming contract extension deadline in October.

Other discussion topics include the importance of better finishing by Porter and Jalen Green on drives; adapting to Alperen Sengun as an offensive hub; rotation battles to keep an eye on, starting with Eric Gordon versus Jae’Sean Tate for a starting lineup spot; and the massive importance of this season to head coach Stephen Silas.

In Wednesday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves discuss group-stage performances by second-year Rockets prospects Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba at EuroBasket 2022.

Through five games at the conclusion of group-stage play, Sengun is averaging 18.2 points (63.3% FG), 8.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 30.8 minutes for Turkey, while Garuba is averaging 4.4 points (69.2% FG) and 4.8 rebounds in 16.4 minutes for Spain.

Discussion topics include growth shown by Sengun since his rookie season; which elements of Sengun’s improved play are most replicable in the NBA; key areas of improvement to watch for moving forward; and early impressions of Garuba, who missed the NBA’s 2022 summer league and much of its 2021-22 season due to injury.

Julian Duncan, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer with the Rockets, and Paul Suarez, Vice President of Digital Marketing, join us for Friday’s new episode of The Lager Line (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing).

In the podcast, Duncan and Suarez share what they see as highlights from Houston’s newly released 2022-23 season schedule, as well as thoughts on the epic video that accompanied its reveal on social media.

Other topics include the process of working with the NBA to put the 82-game schedule together; behind-the-scenes information on how the release video featuring Rockets players, coaches, and executives came to be; and what to watch for over the remainder of the 2022 offseason, such as jersey announcements, fan engagement strategies, and additional digital content.

Rockets Radio Network analyst and SportsTalk 790 host Adam Wexler shares insight on Houston’s key decisions and priorities over the remainder of the 2022 offseason and the NBA’s 2022-23 season.

Topics include how to evaluate head coach Stephen Silas; why Kevin Porter Jr. could be worth a contract extension prior to the season; what to watch for with the league’s impending schedule release; and second-year points of emphasis for Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.

Wexler also offers tidbits regarding his broadcast work for Rockets games, including differences in working alongside Craig Ackerman and Matt Thomas as play-by-play voices and expectations for a 2022-23 campaign that should finally mark the NBA’s return to pre-COVID logistics. Tune in!

David Weiner, NBA salary cap guru for ClutchFans, joins us with a Rockets financial update covering the remainder of the 2022 offseason and 2023 free agency. Topics include trade aggregation possibilities in August involving players acquired from Dallas for Christian Wood; what Houston’s 2023 salary cap flexibility could bring; rotation battles entering 2022-23 training camp; and much more.

Bruce Pearl, Jabari Smith Jr.’s head coach at Auburn University, joins us to break down the start to Smith’s young NBA career with the Rockets.

Topics include reaction to Smith’s initial summer league games and how to best utilize him in Houston; what his potential fit alongside Jalen Green looks like; memories at Auburn and on the recruiting trail; early impressions of fellow rookies (and SEC rivals) Tari Eason and TyTy Washington; and much more.

Our Brian Barefield has followed the Houston Rockets (2-1) for the first three games and associated practices at the NBA’s 2022 summer league in Las Vegas, so we welcomed him to The Lager Line podcast Monday night to share what he’s learned watching Jabari Smith Jr. and company.

Though Smith struggled in his first two games as a shooter, the 19-year-old was very efficient with 19 points in Monday’s win over San Antonio, and he’s regularly delivered a significant impact on the defensive end.

Topics include reaction to Smith’s summer league start and his mentality, and why the good clearly outweighs the bad; early impressions of fellow rookies Tari Eason and TyTy Washington; the competition between Washington and Daishen Nix at point guard; Josh Christopher’s optimal usage; and Aric Holman as a potential backup big candidate.

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.

Matt Moore, national NBA writer for The Action Network (@HPBasketball on Twitter), joins us to recap the 2022 NBA draft and upcoming free agency period for the Houston Rockets.

Was the unexpected draft outcome of landing Auburn forward Jabari Smith, rather than Duke’s Paolo Banchero, a net positive for Houston’s rebuild? Moore joins us to discuss that and much more in Wednesday’s show.

Other topics include a potential new contract for Jae’Sean Tate; likely strategies in free agency for the Rockets; whether to keep or trade Eric Gordon; what head coach Stephen Silas needs to show next season; and the timetable of Houston returning to NBA relevancy.

Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins our June 24 episode to preview free agency for the Rockets and recap Houston’s strong 2022 draft class — led by Auburn forward Jabari Smith.

In the show, Scotto explains why he concurs with the rave reviews of Rockets general manager Rafael Stone for his work bringing Smith, LSU’s Tari Eason, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington to Houston.

Topics include Smith’s fit with the Rockets and the surprise of Paolo Banchero going No. 1 to Orlando; why Scotto is a big fan of Houston’s draft class; what Kyrie Irving’s uncertainty with the Nets may mean for Houston’s future draft assets from Brooklyn; plausible transactions involving veterans John Wall and Eric Gordon; and a preview of potential free agency and trade options for the Rockets in the 2022 offseason.

Bryan Kalbrosky, veteran NBA draft writer for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, offers his analysis on the trade value Houston received for Christian Wood and potential picks/considerations for the Rockets with No. 3, No. 17, and No. 26 in the 2022 first round. In the episode, Kalbrosky explains that while Paolo Banchero remains the favorite at No. 3, other scenarios — even including Jabari Smith — shouldn't be ruled out.

Cayleigh Griffin, courtside reporter for AT&T SportsNet Southwest, joins our podcast to reflect on her first three seasons covering the Houston Rockets for television game broadcasts.

Since joining the official television crew in October 2019, Griffin has watched the Rockets evolve from a veteran title contender built around former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook to the current rebuild, led by talented 20-year-old prospect Jalen Green.

Media topics include how Griffin’s role has changed over the years; differences in working with veterans versus younger players; and reflections on her first year with Craig Ackerman and Ryan Hollins as the new television trio, as well as the importance of them making efforts to better connect with fans during the rebuild.

Basketball topics include highlights from Houston’s 2021-22 season; the growth shown by young players like Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun; the importance of having veterans like Eric Gordon to help prospects develop; expectations for the upcoming draft; and goals for head coach Stephen Silas entering his third year with the Rockets.

Dave Hardisty, owner of legendary Rockets website ClutchFans, chats with our Ben DuBose about the latest news and rumors surrounding the NBA’s upcoming draft and free agency periods.

Topics include whether Purdue’s Jaden Ivey is a realistic alternative to Duke’s Paolo Banchero at No. 3, along with trade options; criteria at No. 17 and names to watch; whether trades can be found for veterans like Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, and John Wall; and financial considerations heading into 2022 free agency.

Kelly Iko, Rockets beat writer for The Athletic, shares his observations after spending a week at the 2022 NBA draft combine in Chicago. In addition to watching prospects, Iko also spoke with many Rockets executives and staffers — including general manager Rafael Stone — after Houston secured the No. 3 overall pick in the draft lottery. As part of this podcast, Iko fills us in on some key takeaways from those conversations.

Other topics on this episode include analysis of why Duke’s Paolo Banchero could be the best fit at No. 3; potential options with the No. 17 pick, which belongs to the Rockets via Brooklyn; what draft prospects stood out during on-court drills at the combine; and what Houston is likely to look for as it replaces outgoing assistant coaches Will Weaver and Jeff Hornacek.

Craig Ackerman, voice of the Rockets, joins Friday’s show with reaction to the 2022 NBA draft lottery results and its implications for Houston. Other topics include Jalen Green earning All-Rookie First Team honors; takeaways on Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, and Stephen Silas; and reflections on Craig’s first year as the full-time TV broadcaster alongside new analyst Ryan Hollins.

Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Houston Rockets, joins the inaugural episode of The Lager Line podcast, sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing. Topics on the show include highlights and takeaways from her first year as president; the importance of stability and diversity in the team’s leadership; strategies to get fans, sponsors, and partners on board with a rebuild; what the 2022 offseason and 2022-23 season may look like for business and events; and much more.

Tuesday’s episode features a roundtable discussion of several recent news items connected to the Rockets. Topics include an uncertain short-term outlook for Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore as rotation players; factors to consider in Alperen Sengun contract extension deliberations; why reports of Houston as a potential Lauri Markkanen trade suitor are likely overblown; and more.

Thursday’s show features reaction to Houston’s 2-1 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include insight on Reed Sheppard’s sensational debut; inconsistent shooting performances by Cam Whitmore; and whether Orlando Robinson’s strong play could earn a contract with the Rockets for the 2024-25 season.

In this July 15 segment from SportsTalk 790’s next up, Ben DuBose and Stan Norfleet react to Houston’s 2-0 start at the NBA’s 2024 summer league. Topics include the extremely positive impressions made by young guards Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, as well as the looming rotation crunch if these elite prospects continue to develop.

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.

Wednesday’s show features reaction to the blockbuster trade between the Rockets and Brooklyn Nets involving upcoming draft assets, including what it means and doesn’t mean for Houston’s future and eventual trades.

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.

As key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason.

Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for Houston’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NT-MLE).

In a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft, where Houston is slated to pick at No. 3 overall.

Tuesday’s show is a brief interview between our Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy. Topics include the reasons for Houston’s 2-2 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, including a scoring binge by Jalen Green; inconsistent play by Alperen Sengun; the healthy return of Steven Adams; and whether occasional rebounding issues for the Rockets are an area of concern.

The Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025.

For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive interview regarding Houston’s financial outlook.

Beyond trade opportunities, the show also explores the outlook for potential contract extensions within the Rockets — including the ideal timing for reaching agreements with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun over the next year.

With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with Portland involving Anfernee Simons.

Dave Hardisty, founder of ClutchFans, joins Friday’s show to discuss the latest news and notes surrounding the Rockets and the NBA’s 2024 offseason. Topics include preferences for Houston’s No. 3 overall draft pick in June; the implications of top prospect Donovan Clingan sharing an agent with Alperen Sengun; trade considerations; and much more.

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.

Monday’s episode features immediate reaction to the Rockets unexpectedly securing the No. 3 overall pick (via Brooklyn) in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.

Topics include plausible candidates (Alex Sarr, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham) to draft if Houston keeps its high first-round pick, as well as potential trade options to consider (Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Lauri Markkanen) if general manager Rafael Stone looks to trade the pick for more veteran, win-now help.

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.

The Rockets (41-41) finished 2023-24 at .500, and their 19-win jump from last season was the largest of any NBA team and the second-biggest annual increase in franchise history. Houston is just the fifth team in the last 30 years to follow up a 60-loss season with a non-losing campaign.

Given those clear signs of progress, owner Tilman Fertitta recently rewarded GM Rafael Stone and assistant GM Eli Witus with contract extensions.

With that in mind, Friday’s episode explains many of the factors pushing Fertitta in that direction. Other topics include offseason tidbits gleaned from Stone’s end-of-season press conference, as well as a preliminary look at storylines from the 2024 playoffs that could impact Houston.

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.

Despite a 13-3 record from March onward, a 2024 Western Conference postseason berth is becoming increasingly unlikely for the Rockets (38-37). Thursday’s home game versus the Warriors (41-34), whose recent five-game winning streak has created separation in that race for the West’s final play-in tournament spot, could be Houston’s last hope of making a late charge.

Yet, even if the Rockets don’t advance, there’s still a strong case to be made that it was a successful season in Houston. With that in mind, topics on Wednesday’s podcast include the importance of finishing the year at .500 or better; more reasons to be encouraged by Jalen Green; questions regarding the future outlooks for Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson; and why Houston could climb up the West standings more quickly than some expect, starting this fall.

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.

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.

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.

Alperen Sengun’s 2023-24 season could be over after a leg injury, but it looks like there won’t be any further impact on his future. Monday’s abbreviated show explores the long-term significance of that news, as well as short-term lineup changes due to Sengun’s absence and whether the Rockets can sustain their encouraging play of late (4-1 in March).

Tuesday’s episode breaks down the good and bad of Houston’s 2-4 stretch out of the All-Star break, which culminated with Jalen Green’s strong showing during Saturday’s win in Phoenix. In particular, Paulo and Ben explore Ime Udoka’s new emphasis on 3-point volume and the unfortunate news of Tari Eason (left tibia surgery) being lost for the season.

In addition, with the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers headed to Houston for Wednesday’s nationally televised game, this episode revisits the 2023 offseason and whether Fred VanVleet over James Harden remains the correct choice for the Rockets.

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.

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.

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 Bridges; and news that Alperen Sengun will miss out on 2024 All-Star honors.

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 pick outlook in the 2024 NBA draft.

As for the Rockets, with a road back-to-back looming in Charlotte and Brooklyn, Ben and Paulo explore where things are going wrong and what changes could help spark short-term turnaround. They also debate the curious case of Eason’s leg injury and whether the team erred in judgment with its treatment plan earlier this season.

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 and how the Feb. 8 trade deadline could improve things.