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
  • Thunder silence Rockets as Houston’s offense lacks firepower

    Thunder silence Rockets as Houston’s offense lacks firepower
    Jan 16 2026
    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 Jabari Smith Jr.; and whether a lack of offensive firepower might force general manager Rafael Stone to consider trades at the February 5 in-season deadline.
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    27 mins
  • Rockets 119, Bulls 113: Losing streak ends as Jabari Smith Jr. snaps slump

    Rockets 119, Bulls 113: Losing streak ends as Jabari Smith Jr. snaps slump
    Jan 14 2026
    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 Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson (who all scored more than 20 points). With the win, the Rockets climbed to within a game in the loss column of the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed.

    Discussion topics include the implications of Smith (18 points, 7 rebounds) returning to form; the promotion of JD Davison to rotation minutes amid Reed Sheppard’s recent slump; more inconsistency on the defensive end; and crucial games upcoming versus the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-7) and Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14).

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cfb9qyA12Y
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    33 mins
  • Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset expectations in Houston?

    Consistent inconsistency: Is it time to reset expectations in Houston?
    Jan 9 2026
    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 much criticism is warranted for Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; and whether the recent inconsistency could make a trade more likely by the in-season deadline of February 5.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Rockets 100, Suns 97: Kevin Durant shows a flair for the dramatic

    Rockets 100, Suns 97: Kevin Durant shows a flair for the dramatic
    Jan 6 2026
    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 rebounds) helped the Rockets overcome those when it mattered most.

    Monday’s show also explores the implications of a week-plus absence (right ankle sprain) for Alperen Sengun — and most notably, which players need to step up in his absence.
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    29 mins
  • Rockets 120, Nets 96: Win streak reaches four on New Year’s Day

    Rockets 120, Nets 96: Win streak reaches four on New Year’s Day
    Jan 2 2026
    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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    40 mins