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Rockets LaunchPod

Rockets LaunchPod

Written by: Ben DuBose
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About this listen

 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.Copyright SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM) Basketball
Episodes
  • After 4-1 homestand and statement win, have Rockets turned a corner?

    After 4-1 homestand and statement win, have Rockets turned a corner?
    Jan 22 2026
    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 cons.

    Topics include a recent regression by Alperen Sengun on defense; encouraging signs of growth from Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; the impact of losing Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain) for an extended period; and whether the team’s striking home-versus-road splits (15-3 in Houston, 11-12 away) could make capturing home-court advantage for the playoffs even more important.
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    57 mins
  • Rockets 111, Spurs 106: Reed Sheppard leads valiant comeback

    Rockets 111, Spurs 106: Reed Sheppard leads valiant comeback
    Jan 22 2026
    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 Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain); and how the Rockets kept Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (5-of-21 shooting) in check.

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iXsYBEj0k
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    33 mins
  • Jabari Smith Jr. steps up, Steven Adams goes down as Rockets clip Pelicans

    Jabari Smith Jr. steps up, Steven Adams goes down as Rockets clip Pelicans
    Jan 19 2026
    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 of Adams’ injury; the implications of Amen Thompson’s recent surge; and storylines to watch entering Tuesday’s important game versus San Antonio (29-13).
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    31 mins
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