Rockets LaunchPod
By Ben DuBose
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Category: Basketball
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Subscribers: 6
Reviews: 1
Episodes: 233
love the show
Oct 28, 2025
always a treat listening to the founder of clutchfans
Description
Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2026-27 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 2026 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
Rockets over-unders: Wins, seed, and minutes projections
|
Aug 25, 2026 |
|
Rockets offseason roundtable: Ranking Houston’s current and future assets
|
Aug 12, 2026 |
|
Rockets add ‘shot doctor’ Chip Engelland to coaching staff
|
Jul 28, 2026 |
|
Summer league takeaways and 2026 offseason strategy
|
Jul 16, 2026 |
|
Tari Eason re-signs as Rockets remain active in NBA free agency
|
Jul 08, 2026 |
|
Free agency reaction: Rockets sign Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanović
|
Jul 01, 2026 |
|
Rockets free agency: Fred VanVleet opts in, Marcus Smart possibly on way
|
Jun 30, 2026 |
|
Draft reaction: Rockets add Bruce Thornton, Quadir Copeland
|
Jun 26, 2026 |
|
Draft week preview: What options do the Rockets have?
|
Jun 23, 2026 |
|
What lessons should Houston take from the 2026 NBA Finals?
|
Jun 11, 2026 |
|
New-look Rockets: Behind the scenes of uniform, logo changes
|
Jun 04, 2026 |
|
Can Rockets adapt to the NBA’s latest “super team” era?
|
May 20, 2026 |
|
Crash landing: Pivotal offseason awaits as Lakers ground Rockets
|
May 05, 2026 |
|
Game 5: Matt Thomas calls via Rockets’ radio network
|
Apr 30, 2026 |
|
Without Kevin Durant, can Rockets make a historic comeback?
|
Apr 29, 2026 |
|
Playoff pushovers? Lakers expose Houston’s systemic flaws
|
Apr 23, 2026 |
|
Playoff preview: Rockets draw Lakers in first round
|
Apr 15, 2026 |
|
Rockets extend winning streak with impressive late season run
|
Apr 07, 2026 |
|
As playoffs loom, can Rockets change the narrative?
|
Mar 31, 2026 |
|
Rockets 123, Heat 122: Game of the season?
|
Mar 22, 2026 |
|
Failure to launch: Losses to Spurs, Warriors show ominous signs
|
Mar 10, 2026 |
|
Rockets improve to 38-22, Reed Sheppard makes case to start
|
Mar 03, 2026 |
|
Lions or lambs? Rockets enter March at No. 3 in West, but questions linger
|
Mar 01, 2026 |
|
Kevin Durant burns Hornets as Rockets (34-20) rise to No. 3 in West
|
Feb 20, 2026 |
|
Rockets, Kevin Durant burn through All-Star break
|
Feb 18, 2026 |
|
Trade deadline reaction, Rockets-Thunder takeaways
|
Feb 08, 2026 |
|
Rockets enter trade deadline at 8-2 in last 10 games
|
Feb 04, 2026 |
|
Rockets 111, Mavs 107: Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. shine
|
Feb 01, 2026 |
|
Rockets 104, Hawks 86: Kevin Durant leads another back-to-back win
|
Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Rockets 111, Pistons 104: Kevin Durant sets tone on road
|
Jan 24, 2026 |
|
After 4-1 homestand and statement win, have Rockets turned a corner?
|
Jan 22, 2026 |
|
Rockets 111, Spurs 106: Reed Sheppard leads valiant comeback
|
Jan 22, 2026 |
|
Jabari Smith Jr. steps up, Steven Adams goes down as Rockets clip Pelicans
|
Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Thunder silence Rockets as Houston’s offense lacks firepower
|
Jan 16, 2026 |
|
Rockets 119, Bulls 113: Losing streak ends as Jabari Smith Jr. snaps slump
|
Jan 14, 2026 |
|
Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset expectations in Houston?
|
Jan 09, 2026 |
|
Rockets 100, Suns 97: Kevin Durant shows a flair for the dramatic
|
Jan 06, 2026 |
|
Rockets 120, Nets 96: Win streak reaches four on New Year’s Day
|
Jan 02, 2026 |
|
New year, new Rockets? As 2026 nears, Kevin Durant leads resurgence
|
Dec 29, 2025 |
|
Rockets 117, Cavs 100: Defense improves, Kevin Durant blasts off
|
Dec 28, 2025 |
|
Tough road trip ends with Christmas gift in Los Angeles
|
Dec 26, 2025 |
|
Rockets 115, Nuggets 101: Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard lead statement win
|
Dec 21, 2025 |
|
Defenseless December: Rockets lament ‘embarrassing’ collapse to Pelicans
|
Dec 19, 2025 |
|
Will Houston make a splash in the NBA’s 2025-26 trade season?
|
Dec 12, 2025 |
|
Late Amen Thompson takeover leads Rockets (16-6) past Clippers
|
Dec 12, 2025 |
|
Quarter pole review: Key takeaways, questions for 15-6 Rockets
|
Dec 09, 2025 |
|
Rockets 117, Suns 98: Kevin Durant makes history, Houston rises to No. 2 in West
|
Dec 06, 2025 |
|
Jazz 133, Rockets 125: Will Houston have a back-to-back problem?
|
Dec 02, 2025 |
|
Rockets (13-4) silence Jazz as Kevin Durant makes efficient return
|
Dec 01, 2025 |
|
Rockets 114, Suns 92: Amen Thompson breaks out as Houston improves to 11-4
|
Nov 25, 2025 |
|
Rockets injury updates and a case for starting Reed Sheppard
|
Nov 24, 2025 |
|
Rockets roll to 10-3 as Alperen Sengun outduels Evan Mobley, Cavs
|
Nov 20, 2025 |
|
Late heroics from Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun lead Rockets past Magic
|
Nov 17, 2025 |
|
Rockets 140, Blazers 116: Kevin Durant (+37) leads eighth win in nine games
|
Nov 15, 2025 |
|
Rockets grades: Evaluating Houston’s 6-3 start to the season
|
Nov 11, 2025 |
|
Rockets 122, Bucks 115: Kevin Durant electric in statement win
|
Nov 10, 2025 |
|
Spurs 121, Rockets 110: Turnovers, defensive lapses end Houston’s streak
|
Nov 08, 2025 |
|
Five in a row! Rockets rout Grizzlies as Amen Thompson dominates on road
|
Nov 06, 2025 |
|
Four straight wins: Rockets survive cold shooting night vs. Mavs
|
Nov 04, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Rockets rout Celtics to win third straight
|
Nov 02, 2025 |
|
Behind top-rated offense, Rockets secure first winning streak
|
Oct 30, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Tari Eason blasts off as Rockets rout Nets
|
Oct 28, 2025 |
|
Business of basketball: Rockets president Gretchen Sheirr joins
|
Oct 23, 2025 |
|
Thunder 125, Rockets 124: Alperen Sengun’s elite game offset by turnovers
|
Oct 22, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Reaction as Rockets, Tari Eason fail to extend
|
Oct 21, 2025 |
|
Kevin Durant extends his deal, is Tari Eason next?
|
Oct 20, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Reed Sheppard thrives as Rockets finish perfect preseason
|
Oct 17, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Reaction to Rockets’ preseason win over Pelicans
|
Oct 15, 2025 |
|
Preseason takeaways: An identity shift for the Rockets?
|
Oct 10, 2025 |
|
ClutchFans Live: Kevin Durant dazzles in his Houston debut
|
Oct 09, 2025 |
|
Alperen Sengun, JD Davison shine as Rockets open preseason
|
Oct 07, 2025 |
|
Emergency pod: Rockets lose Fred VanVleet to ACL tear
|
Sep 23, 2025 |
|
Fifth starter debate, lineup optimization, Alperen Sengun dazzles at EuroBasket
|
Sep 19, 2025 |
|
Can Rockets, Tari Eason agree to a contract extension?
|
Aug 27, 2025 |
|
2025-26 schedule reaction and Kevin Durant extension rumors
|
Aug 15, 2025 |
|
Are Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard ready for point-guard duty?
|
Jul 29, 2025 |
|
Cam Whitmore trade reaction and Houston’s remaining summer storylines
|
Jul 11, 2025 |
|
All systems go: Reviewing Rockets’ epic 2025 offseason to date
|
Jul 02, 2025 |
|
Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in, Cam Whitmore out?
|
Jul 01, 2025 |
|
Jabari Smith Jr. extends, Dorian Finney-Smith rumors swirl
|
Jun 30, 2025 |
|
How Fred VanVleet’s cheaper contract could help the Rockets
|
Jun 25, 2025 |
|
Emergency show: Kevin Durant joins the Rockets!
|
Jun 22, 2025 |
|
Rapid reaction: Steven Adams extension implications
|
Jun 14, 2025 |
|
Will the Rockets trade for Kevin Durant? Negotiations enter final days
|
Jun 14, 2025 |
|
Internal free agents: What deals should Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams get?
|
Jun 10, 2025 |
|
Rumor roundup: Ime Udoka, Kevin Durant, Brook Lopez
|
Jun 04, 2025 |
|
As June begins, why Houston’s rumor mill remains mostly quiet
|
Jun 03, 2025 |
|
How a shocking NBA draft lottery affects the Rockets
|
May 13, 2025 |
|
Stock up, stock down, hold: Evaluating Rockets in 2025 playoffs
|
May 08, 2025 |
|
Crash landing: Rockets’ offense ‘lays an egg’ in Game 7
|
May 06, 2025 |
|
Matt Thomas highlights: Rockets win Game 6 at Golden State!
|
May 03, 2025 |
|
Clutch City redux: Can Houston save its season at Golden State?
|
May 02, 2025 |
|
Rockets-Warriors series: Playoff takeaways from split in Houston
|
Apr 25, 2025 |
|
Rockets vs. Warriors: Series predictions and keys to success
|
Apr 17, 2025 |
|
2025 NBA playoffs: Key variables, storylines for Rockets
|
Apr 15, 2025 |
|
Rest vs. rust: Playoff preferences for No. 2 Rockets
|
Apr 10, 2025 |
|
In 50th win, Rockets clinch first playoff berth, division title since 2020
|
Apr 03, 2025 |
|
Ten games left: Keys for Rockets in final playoff push
|
Mar 25, 2025 |
|
Seven straight! Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. shine as streak continues
|
Mar 19, 2025 |
|
In ‘double big’ era, jumbo lineups fuel Rockets
|
Mar 12, 2025 |
|
Amen Thompson injury reaction and how Rockets can adjust
|
Mar 10, 2025 |
|
Instant reaction as Rockets decide their full-strength lineup
|
Feb 28, 2025 |
|
As Rockets get healthy, is a streak coming in March?
|
Feb 25, 2025 |
|
Rockets limp toward All-Star break with injuries, quiet trade deadline
|
Feb 11, 2025 |
|
Is Amen Thompson launching the Rockets into contention?
|
Jan 30, 2025 |
|
State of the Rockets: What we learned in 2024-25 season’s first half
|
Jan 22, 2025 |
|
Has Amen Thompson locked up a long-term starting spot?
|
Jan 17, 2025 |
|
Rockets stack wins as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson take flight
|
Jan 14, 2025 |
|
Ripple effects of Jabari Smith Jr. breaking left hand
|
Jan 05, 2025 |
|
New Year’s resolutions as Rockets enter 2025
|
Jan 03, 2025 |
|
Perception versus reality: What NBA Cup showed us about the Rockets
|
Dec 18, 2024 |
|
NBA Cup knockout predictions and California road trip recap
|
Dec 10, 2024 |
|
As Rockets stack wins, is Houston becoming a surprise contender?
|
Dec 03, 2024 |
|
Despite Jalen Green’s struggles, Rockets (12-6) rise to No. 3 in West
|
Nov 25, 2024 |
|
As Alperen Sengun leads 7-4 start, should Houston explore a Giannis trade?
|
Nov 13, 2024 |
|
Two-week review: What we’ve learned in Rockets’ 4-3 start
|
Nov 06, 2024 |
|
Minicast: On Tari Eason’s surge and Alperen Sengun’s slump
|
Nov 04, 2024 |
|
Minicast: Jalen Green breaks out as Rockets open season 2-2
|
Oct 29, 2024 |
|
Reaction to new Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun contracts in Houston
|
Oct 22, 2024 |
|
2024-25 Rockets season preview with Craig Ackerman
|
Oct 21, 2024 |
|
Preseason notes: Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and more
|
Oct 17, 2024 |
|
First impressions as Rockets open 2024-25 preseason
|
Oct 09, 2024 |
|
Minicast: Reaction to potential Sengun extension, Rockets’ media day
|
Oct 02, 2024 |
|
Matt Thomas on Tilman Fertitta, Ime Udoka, 2024-25 Rockets goals
|
Sep 26, 2024 |
|
Vanessa Richardson on 2024-25 Rockets, SCHN broadcasts, and more
|
Sep 11, 2024 |
|
Drafting all-time Rockets players, coaches
|
Aug 29, 2024 |
|
Reaction to Rockets’ 2024-25 schedule release
|
Aug 16, 2024 |
|
Rotation options, Sengun extension debate, Markkanen speculation
|
Jul 30, 2024 |
|
Reed ready? Highs and lows from Rockets’ 2024 summer league
|
Jul 18, 2024 |
|
Minicast: Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore balling out at NBA summer league
|
Jul 15, 2024 |
|
In busy draft week, Rockets add Reed Sheppard, AJ Griffin
|
Jun 28, 2024 |
|
Rockets-Nets blockbuster trade reaction
|
Jun 26, 2024 |
|
As 2024 draft nears, Rockets also finalizing free agency plans
|
Jun 25, 2024 |
|
Rockets primer entering 2024 NBA draft, free agency window
|
Jun 23, 2024 |
|
Minicast: As draft nears, NBA Finals lessons for Rockets
|
Jun 20, 2024 |
|
Exploring Houston’s salary cap outlook with Yossi Gozlan
|
Jun 16, 2024 |
|
June update: Rockets draft intel with Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper)
|
Jun 13, 2024 |
|
ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty on 2024 Rockets offseason
|
May 31, 2024 |
|
USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky on Rockets, NBA Draft chatter
|
May 23, 2024 |
|
How landing the No. 3 draft pick changes Houston’s offseason
|
May 13, 2024 |
|
NBA playoffs storylines to watch for the Rockets
|
May 03, 2024 |
|
Rockets launch 2024 offseason with Rafael Stone extension
|
Apr 19, 2024 |
|
As season winds down, Rockets have key milestones in sight
|
Apr 11, 2024 |
|
As play-in hopes fade, why Rockets’ future remains bright
|
Apr 03, 2024 |
|
Jalen Green’s star rises as Rockets win nine straight
|
Mar 27, 2024 |
|
Rockets, Jalen Green suddenly can’t stop winning
|
Mar 19, 2024 |
|
Rockets relieved as Alperen Sengun avoids major injury
|
Mar 12, 2024 |
|
VanVleet vs. Harden, Tari Eason update, Houston’s new math strategy
|
Mar 05, 2024 |
|
Ime Udoka stays the course with Rockets, Jalen Green
|
Feb 22, 2024 |
|
Lineup changes: What is Ime Udoka hinting at?
|
Feb 16, 2024 |
|
On Jalen Green’s resurgence and the Steven Adams trade
|
Feb 02, 2024 |
|
Dry January continues for Rockets
|
Jan 26, 2024 |
|
What’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip?
|
Jan 19, 2024 |
|
Lessons learned from Rockets’ heartbreak in Chicago
|
Jan 12, 2024 |
|
Can Alperen Sengun be an All-Star and a max player in 2024?
|
Jan 05, 2024 |
|
Rockets, NBA trade season preview with Karthik Prasad
|
Dec 20, 2023 |
|
Rockets streaking again as Tari Eason’s surge offsets Jalen Green’s slump
|
Dec 15, 2023 |
|
As Houston’s offense sputters, is Jabari Smith Jr. ready for a bigger role?
|
Dec 05, 2023 |
|
As Jalen Green goes, so goes Rockets’ offense
|
Nov 24, 2023 |
|
Six straight! Key themes to Rockets’ ongoing win streak
|
Nov 14, 2023 |
|
Winning streak! How Rockets could be turning a corner
|
Nov 06, 2023 |
|
Creative director Jose Lopez on new City jerseys and beyond
|
Nov 03, 2023 |
|
Rockets time capsule: 2023-24 goals and expectations
|
Oct 25, 2023 |
|
Gretchen Sheirr on 2023-24 Rockets business and beyond
|
Oct 21, 2023 |
|
Key takeaways from Houston’s first two preseason games
|
Oct 14, 2023 |
|
Reggie Bullock deal reaction, early training camp takeaways
|
Oct 04, 2023 |
|
Three takeaways from 2023 Rockets Media Day
|
Oct 02, 2023 |
|
Houston’s path forward without Kevin Porter Jr.
|
Sep 21, 2023 |
|
Jeff Pearlman on HBO’s Winning Time and the modern NBA
|
Sep 15, 2023 |
|
Implications of Kevin Porter Jr.’s assault arrest
|
Sep 11, 2023 |
|
Rockets notes: Future draft outlook, FIBA Dillon Brooks takeaways
|
Aug 30, 2023 |
|
Reaction to Joel Embiid rumors and Houston’s new 2023-24 schedule
|
Aug 18, 2023 |
|
Closing the door on the James Harden and Daryl Morey era
|
Aug 15, 2023 |
|
Which Rockets have most at stake in 2023-24 season
|
Aug 08, 2023 |
|
Summer League recap and Jalen Green’s big offseason
|
Jul 23, 2023 |
|
Amen Thompson debuts as summer Rockets make big impression
|
Jul 09, 2023 |
|
Reaction to Houston’s chaotic start in 2023 free agency
|
Jul 02, 2023 |
|
Final thoughts entering 2023 Rockets free agency
|
Jun 29, 2023 |
|
Draft reaction as Rockets land Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore
|
Jun 24, 2023 |
|
Amen Thompson breakdown and Houston’s other draft options
|
Jun 16, 2023 |
|
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on Rockets’ 2023 offseason targets
|
Jun 15, 2023 |
|
2023 Houston Rockets free agency, trade season preview
|
Jun 14, 2023 |
|
Key takeaways as Rockets, Rafael Stone answer media questions
|
Jun 05, 2023 |
|
Evaluating the Thompson twins and Houston’s 2023 draft targets
|
May 26, 2023 |
|
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky on Rockets’ draft, free agency plans
|
May 24, 2023 |
|
Early reaction to Rockets’ 2023 draft lottery night
|
May 17, 2023 |
|
David Weiner on what NBA’s new CBA means for the Rockets
|
May 05, 2023 |
|
Rockets general counsel Clay Allen on NBA’s draft lottery day
|
May 02, 2023 |
|
Early reaction to Houston’s hire of Ime Udoka as coach
|
Apr 25, 2023 |
|
Boston perspective on Ime Udoka’s candidacy in Houston
|
Apr 21, 2023 |
|
Caitlin Cooper on Frank Vogel and Rockets’ coaching search
|
Apr 17, 2023 |
|
What Rockets are searching for to replace Stephen Silas
|
Apr 11, 2023 |
|
Key storylines to watch as Rockets enter season’s final week
|
Apr 04, 2023 |
|
Can Rockets change the narrative entering 2023 offseason?
|
Mar 24, 2023 |
|
Key takeaways from Rockets’ March surge
|
Mar 17, 2023 |
|
March Madness preview from a Rockets draft perspective
|
Mar 13, 2023 |
|
Why James Harden’s interest is uniquely important to the 2023 Rockets
|
Mar 03, 2023 |
|
Dave Hardisty on Jabari Smith Jr.’s outlook and offseason hypotheticals
|
Feb 23, 2023 |
|
Rockets in the news: Jabari Smith Jr., Rafael Stone, Tilman Fertitta
|
Feb 19, 2023 |
|
Why Rafael Stone and Tilman Fertitta were trade deadline winners
|
Feb 12, 2023 |
|
Rockets trade deadline preview, Kyrie Irving deal reaction
|
Feb 06, 2023 |
|
How Alperen Sengun’s higher usage is helping Jalen Green
|
Jan 24, 2023 |
|
Rockets losing streak takeaways and John Wall reaction
|
Jan 19, 2023 |
|
Evaluating Rafael Stone as the 2023 trade deadline nears
|
Jan 13, 2023 |
|
New Year’s resolutions for Rockets in second half of season
|
Jan 05, 2023 |
|
What will 2023 have in store for the Houston Rockets?
|
Dec 29, 2022 |
|
Should Rockets consider a James Harden reunion plan in 2023?
|
Dec 23, 2022 |
|
With NBA trade season here, what should the Rockets do?
|
Dec 15, 2022 |
|
Expectations for Houston’s season-long homestand and beyond
|
Dec 11, 2022 |
|
Evaluating the Rockets at 2022-23 season’s quarter pole
|
Dec 02, 2022 |
|
Kevin Porter Jr. on Rockets’ start, new Sukuta venture
|
Nov 17, 2022 |
|
Mark Schindler on the progress of Houston’s young core
|
Nov 16, 2022 |
|
What can Rockets learn from the Astros’ dynasty?
|
Nov 08, 2022 |
|
How can Rockets’ offense take the next step?
|
Oct 28, 2022 |
|
Matt Moore on how Jalen Green can evolve into a winning player
|
Oct 21, 2022 |
|
Craig Ackerman on key storylines entering the regular season
|
Oct 14, 2022 |
|
Rockets-Thunder trade reaction, preseason opener preview
|
Sep 30, 2022 |
|
Brian Barefield on the start of Rockets’ training camp
|
Sep 28, 2022 |
|
Key training camp storylines for the 2022-23 Houston Rockets
|
Sep 20, 2022 |
|
EuroBasket takeaways for Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba
|
Sep 08, 2022 |
|
Julian Duncan, Paul Suarez on 2022-23 Rockets schedule, reveal video
|
Aug 19, 2022 |
|
Adam Wexler on Key Rockets Decisions in 2022-23
|
Aug 15, 2022 |
|
August 2022 Rockets financial update with David Weiner
|
Jul 29, 2022 |
|
Auburn’s Bruce Pearl on Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rockets
|
Jul 13, 2022 |
|
Brian Barefield, Ben DuBose on Houston’s 2-1 summer league start
|
Jul 12, 2022 |
|
Matt Moore on Houston’s road back to NBA relevancy
|
Jun 30, 2022 |
|
Michael Scotto on Houston’s 2022 draft, free agency plans
|
Jun 24, 2022 |
|
Rockets draft week preview with USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky
|
Jun 17, 2022 |
|
Cayleigh Griffin on her Houston career and Rockets’ future
|
Jun 08, 2022 |
|
Dave Hardisty on Rockets and 2022 NBA draft, free agency
|
Jun 03, 2022 |
|
Kelly Iko on Rockets at the NBA draft combine
|
May 24, 2022 |
|
Craig Ackerman on 2022 NBA draft lottery and beyond
|
May 20, 2022 |
|
Gretchen Sheirr, Rockets president of business operations
|
May 12, 2022 |