Podcast
Rockets LaunchPod
Hosted by Ben DuBose · EN
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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What lessons should Houston take from the 2026 NBA Finals?
2w ago01:11:31Tap to summarizeHosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Thursday’s show features insight and analysis pertaining to the 2026 NBA Finals, and specifically those Spurs-Knicks storylines with implications for the Rockets.The initial segment explores what fans should (and shouldn’t) take away from Stephon Castle’s stated preference to land in San Antonio — and not Houston — in the 2024 draft. The episode then transitions to a discussion of what the Spurs and Knicks have shown us regarding team-building strategies, as well as New York’s unique tactical blueprint to try and slow Victor Wembanyama.
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New-look Rockets: Behind the scenes of uniform, logo changes
3w ago00:53:16Tap to summarizeChampionship yellow is back, as is the Dunkstronaut! Jose Lopez, senior creative director of the Rockets, and Taylor French, director of marketing operations, speak with Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty regarding Houston’s new look for the 2026-27 season and beyond.Discussion topics include the intentionality behind changing the logos, jerseys, and uniforms; the process of working with the NBA, Nike, and other key stakeholders; feedback from players and ownership; and what the new look will mean for fans and the organization over the years ahead.The complete press release announcing the changes, along with photos and videos of the new threads, can be read at clutchfans.net.
Transcribe →Can Rockets adapt to the NBA’s latest “super team” era?
May 2001:24:24Tap to summarizeAfter a few years of relative parity, the Spurs and Thunder appear to be entrenched juggernauts atop the West standings. As San Antonio and Oklahoma City square off in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, each features an MVP frontrunner and other young stars who should all remain in elite form for years to come.So, what does that mean for those teams a few slots beneath them, including the Houston Rockets? With a eye toward long-term roster planning, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves mull over all the scenarios in our latest podcast.Topics include the merits of a “strategic step back” this offseason; why “all-in” transactions are becoming increasingly undesirable; and whether Houston has the right leadership in place to execute a longer-term plan built around drafting and developing young players.
Transcribe →Crash landing: Pivotal offseason awaits as Lakers ground Rockets
May 501:06:43Tap to summarizeTo quote Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, a “frustrating and disappointing season” concluded with Friday’s series-ending loss in Game 6 versus the Los Angeles Lakers. For a second straight year, Houston went 52-30 in the regular season before bowing out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.With that in mind, hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments surrounding the Rockets, including an intriguing end-of-season press conference held by Stone and head coach Ime Udoka. Topics include the reasons for Houston’s bouts of offensive ineptitude in the playoffs; whether Kevin Durant meshes with the team’s young core; the complicated on-court fit of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard; offseason trade possibilities; and much more.
Transcribe →Game 5: Matt Thomas calls via Rockets’ radio network
Apr 3000:09:21Tap to summarizeToday’s episode features Matt Thomas, radio play-by-play voice of the Rockets, calling the second-half highlights of Wednesday’s thrilling Game 5 victory in Los Angeles. With the Lakers now up 3-2 in the series, Game 6 is Friday night in Houston. The Rockets are hoping to become the first team in NBA playoff history (0-160) to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win, and they are already one of only 16 teams to push a series to Game 6 after losing the first three games.
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Without Kevin Durant, can Rockets make a historic comeback?
Apr 2901:05:03Tap to summarizeNo NBA team has ever won a playoff series after trailing 3-0. Can these Houston Rockets, who remain without injured star Kevin Durant, somehow pull it off against LeBron James and the Lakers (who still have a 3-1 lead)?Ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal Game 5 in Los Angeles, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves are joined by ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty to explore the lay of the land. Topics include the outlook for Durant; key players to watch for; and the potential for major offseason changes, should Houston still lose its first-round series.This episode can also be viewed in video form here.
Transcribe →Playoff pushovers? Lakers expose Houston’s systemic flaws
Apr 2301:13:01Tap to summarizeDespite drawing what appeared to be a friendly first-round matchup, the Rockets now trail 2-0 in their best-of-seven series versus the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers.With Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves as hosts, Thursday’s episode offers background and perspective on all the key takeaways from the 2026 NBA playoffs. The show begins by discussing the reasons behind Houston’s offensive downturn and whether Ime Udoka can find answers to turn things around later in the series.From there, Ben and Paulo debate how much blame should go to the players, coaches, and the front office, as well as potential team-building implications over the months and years ahead.
Transcribe →Playoff preview: Rockets draw Lakers in first round
Apr 1500:57:24Tap to summarizeDid Kevin Durant and the Rockets (52-30, No. 5 in Western Conference) get an unexpected gift by drawing LeBron James and the injury riddled Lakers (53-29, No. 4) as their first-round opponent?Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday’s show breaks down the pros and cons of the playoff matchup, from a Houston perspective. Topics include series X-factors; where things could go right or wrong; a key starting lineup decision for Ime Udoka; and predictions.
Transcribe →Rockets extend winning streak with impressive late season run
Apr 701:10:08Tap to summarizeAs the 2026 playoffs approach, the Rockets are on a season-best winning streak of six games and counting, and they could be peaking at the right time. Houston (49-29) enters Tuesday at No. 5 in the Western Conference standings and within a game of the injury ravaged Los Angeles Lakers (50-28), and their struggles might lead the Rockets to a friendlier postseason matchup and possibly even home-court advantage (a top-four seed) in the first round. Houston is 28-10 at home this season.With that in mind, Tuesday’s full show — featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves — breaks down all the latest developments surrounding the team. Topics include the importance of improved late-game offense in recent wins; continued growth from Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., who both made critical contributions in a thrilling victory at Golden State; key adjustments by Ime Udoka and the coaching staff; and a preview of the playoff race entering the final four games of the regular season.
Transcribe →As playoffs loom, can Rockets change the narrative?
Mar 3100:58:19Tap to summarizeLed by a resurgent showing from Alperen Sengun, Houston (45-29) enters the final day of March on a winning streak. So, in their last eight games before the NBA’s 2026 playoffs, can the Rockets finally heat up and put themselves in position to make a run?In Tuesday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the highs and lows of the team’s recent play. Topics include Sengun’s upward trajectory; if lineup and rotation changes for players such as Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate are likely to still be in effect by the playoffs; and whether the Lakers, Nuggets, or Timberwolves should be Houston’s preferred first-round opponent.
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