Rockets LaunchPod
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.
Episodes
June 25, 2026 • 52 mins
This week’s NBA draft concluded with the Houston Rockets adding Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (second round) and North Carolina State guard/wing Quadir Copeland (UDFA) to their 2026-27 roster. In Thursday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to the implications of both additions.
The episode also looks ahead to the June 30 launch date of 2026 free agency, including internal contract considerations for Fred VanVle...
The episode also looks ahead to the June 30 launch date of 2026 free agency, including internal contract considerations for Fred VanVle...
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Mark as Played
June 23, 2026 • 13 mins
Tuesday’s SportsTalk 790 interview features insight from Ben DuBose on what the Rockets are likely to do and consider during this week’s NBA Draft. Topics include players that could be on the trading block; whether Houston could move into the first round; and considerations for the team’s two second-round selections at No. 39 and No. 53, overall.
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Mark as Played
June 11, 2026 • 71 mins
Hosted 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 transi...
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 transi...
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Mark as Played
June 4, 2026 • 53 mins
Championship 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 stakeho...
Discussion topics include the intentionality behind changing the logos, jerseys, and uniforms; the process of working with the NBA, Nike, and other key stakeho...
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Mark as Played
May 20, 2026 • 84 mins
After 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...
So, what does that mean for those teams a few slots beneath them, including the Houston Rockets? With a eye toward...
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Mark as Played
May 5, 2026 • 66 mins
To 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 Rocket...
With that in mind, hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the latest developments surrounding the Rocket...
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Mark as Played
April 30, 2026 • 9 mins
Today’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 t...
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 t...
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Mark as Played
April 29, 2026 • 65 mins
No 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 pl...
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 pl...
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Mark as Played
April 23, 2026 • 73 mins
Despite 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 ...
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 ...
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Mark as Played
April 15, 2026 • 57 mins
Did 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...
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...
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Mark as Played
April 7, 2026 • 70 mins
As 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 th...
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Mark as Played
March 31, 2026 • 58 mins
Led 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; ...
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; ...
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Mark as Played
March 22, 2026 • 33 mins
In perhaps the most memorable game yet of Houston’s 2025-26 season, Amen Thompson hit a game-winning tip shot at the buzzer as the Rockets rallied past Miami. At 43-27, Houston remains at No. 4 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings, which would put the Rockets in line to hold home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2026 playoffs.
Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “Clu...
Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “Clu...
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Mark as Played
March 10, 2026 • 62 mins
After two ugly losses in three games, the Rockets (39-24) have fallen back to No. 4 in the Western Conference and are close to falling out of the top four altogether — which would mean starting the 2026 playoffs on the road.
So, what should Houston fans take away after a pair of concerning defeats to San Antonio and Golden State? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the key takeaways, including signs of regression fro...
So, what should Houston fans take away after a pair of concerning defeats to San Antonio and Golden State? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the key takeaways, including signs of regression fro...
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Mark as Played
March 3, 2026 • 29 mins
With another strong showing in Monday’s victory at Washington, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is clearly making a push to start and finish more games. Houston (38-22) is now 5-2 since the All-Star break while continuing to hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.
Featuring Ben DuBose, ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, our Rockets-Wizards postgame show reacts to all the ...
Featuring Ben DuBose, ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, our Rockets-Wizards postgame show reacts to all the ...
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Mark as Played
March 1, 2026 • 46 mins
Even after losing Saturday’s game at Miami, the Rockets (37-22) remain at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings. When factoring in widespread injuries throughout Houston’s roster, things could certainly be a lot worse.
Yet, even with Kevin Durant in All-NBA form, there are still several questions to answer as the Rockets embark upon the final weeks of the regular season and what they hope is an extended run i...
Yet, even with Kevin Durant in All-NBA form, there are still several questions to answer as the Rockets embark upon the final weeks of the regular season and what they hope is an extended run i...
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Mark as Played
February 20, 2026 • 31 mins
Kevin Durant, burner or not, was scorching (35 points, 70% FG) in Houston’s 105-101 victory at Charlotte. With the win, the Rockets (34-20) moved up to the No. 3 spot in the tightly packed Western Conference standings.
Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Thursday night’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key takeaways.
Discussion topics include...
Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Thursday night’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key takeaways.
Discussion topics include...
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Mark as Played
February 18, 2026 • 58 mins
The Rockets entered the NBA’s 2026 All-Star break at 33-20 and No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and they exit with something of a scandal on their hands.
Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday’s episode breaks down the alleged Kevin Durant “burner” controversy, along with reasons for on-court optimism heading into the final 29 games of the regular season.
The show also looks ...
Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday’s episode breaks down the alleged Kevin Durant “burner” controversy, along with reasons for on-court optimism heading into the final 29 games of the regular season.
The show also looks ...
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Mark as Played
February 8, 2026 • 49 mins
Houston didn’t make a move at Thursday’s in-season trade deadline, but the Rockets did get a much-needed victory in Saturday’s 112-106 win at Oklahoma City.
For the Rockets, it's their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league’s best record.
Featurin...
For the Rockets, it's their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league’s best record.
Featurin...
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Mark as Played
February 3, 2026 • 52 mins
The NBA’s in-season trade deadline is this Thursday, and the Rockets are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
So, is Houston (31-17, No. 4 in 2025-26 Western Conference) more or less likely to make a move? In our latest full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the pros and cons, including maximizing the Kevin Durant window while ensuring that the 2026-27 team is still set up for success.
So, is Houston (31-17, No. 4 in 2025-26 Western Conference) more or less likely to make a move? In our latest full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the pros and cons, including maximizing the Kevin Durant window while ensuring that the 2026-27 team is still set up for success.
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Mark as Played
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