The Lager Line
Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2024-25 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the growth of Houston’s top prospects, such as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.
Episodes
January 22, 2025 • 61 mins
With the second half of the 2024-25 NBA season officially underway, this week’s episode reviews what we’ve learned about the Rockets (28-14), who remain in an impressive No. 2 standings spot in the Western Conference.
Topics include some regression in recent weeks from Alperen Sengun and Houston’s team defense; why the ascension of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson has largely offset that; and important lineup and rotation consideration...
Topics include some regression in recent weeks from Alperen Sengun and Houston’s team defense; why the ascension of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson has largely offset that; and important lineup and rotation consideration...
Mark as Played
January 16, 2025 • 13 mins
In Thursday’s interview segment with Ross Villarreal of SportsTalk 790, our Ben DuBose explains why he thinks Amen Thompson has likely locked up a long-term starting role with the Rockets (27-12). Other topics include encouraging signs from Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore during Houston’s current five-game winning streak, as well as why general manager Rafael Stone shouldn’t be under any pressure to make a move at the NBA’s Feb. 6 in-...
Mark as Played
January 14, 2025 • 41 mins
With both Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in starring roles, the Rockets (26-12) have won four straight games and are holding a strong No. 2 placement in the Western Conference standings. Tuesday’s episode explores how Houston is getting it done, including the sustainability of both Green and Thompson retaining their current lineup roles and performance levels.
Mark as Played
January 5, 2025 • 28 mins
Sunday’s mini-episode features Ben’s reaction to Jabari Smith Jr. breaking his left hand, including potential lineup and rotation implications for players such as Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, Tari Eason, and Jalen Green.
Mark as Played
January 3, 2025 • 80 mins
Happy New Year! With 2025 now here, Friday’s show looks ahead to the games, weeks, and months ahead for Ime Udoka and a much-improved Houston team.
Topics include the importance of carving out a rotation role for Cam Whitmore; the impact of newfound uncertainty surrounding the health of Tari Eason’s left leg; and if or when the Rockets (22-11) will be ready to make a marquee trade this year.
Topics include the importance of carving out a rotation role for Cam Whitmore; the impact of newfound uncertainty surrounding the health of Tari Eason’s left leg; and if or when the Rockets (22-11) will be ready to make a marquee trade this year.
Mark as Played
December 18, 2024 • 94 mins
Thanks to another lethargic showing on offense, the Rockets (17-9) lost in the semifinals of the NBA Cup to the Thunder. But on the back of elite defense, they did make it to Las Vegas after finally ending a prolonged losing streak to the Warriors in the quarterfinal.
With the schedule on a brief Cup-related pause, Wednesday’s show explores what we’ve learned about the 2024-25 Rockets with the regular season about a third complete. ...
With the schedule on a brief Cup-related pause, Wednesday’s show explores what we’ve learned about the 2024-25 Rockets with the regular season about a third complete. ...
Mark as Played
December 10, 2024 • 55 mins
Tuesday’s episode features a preview of Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal versus Golden State and reaction to Houston’s 1-2 road trip against the Kings, Warriors, and Clippers.
Topics include matchup difficulties with the Warriors; potential reasons for the up-and-down play of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; predictions for the NBA Cup knockout rounds; and why fans of the Rockets should still be quite pleased with a 16-8 start to the...
Topics include matchup difficulties with the Warriors; potential reasons for the up-and-down play of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; predictions for the NBA Cup knockout rounds; and why fans of the Rockets should still be quite pleased with a 16-8 start to the...
Mark as Played
December 3, 2024 • 76 mins
After 10 wins in 12 games, the Rockets (15-6, 3-0) entered Tuesday just a half-game back of Oklahoma City for first place in the Western Conference. In an unbeaten Thanksgiving week, Houston secured a statement win at Minnesota — clinching its NBA Cup group — before posting an even more impressive victory at home versus the Thunder.
With that in mind, our latest show explores all the associated angles and ripple effects. Discussion ...
With that in mind, our latest show explores all the associated angles and ripple effects. Discussion ...
Mark as Played
November 25, 2024 • 66 mins
Despite a rough November from Jalen Green, the defensively stout Rockets (12-6) have climbed to No. 3 in the West standings and first place in their NBA Cup group.
Monday’s episode explores how they’ve done it, led by promising signs from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson; the current levels of concern with Green; and what to watch for as Houston’s schedule gets more difficult, starting with a crucial NBA Cup game at Minnesota on Tue...
Monday’s episode explores how they’ve done it, led by promising signs from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson; the current levels of concern with Green; and what to watch for as Houston’s schedule gets more difficult, starting with a crucial NBA Cup game at Minnesota on Tue...
Mark as Played
November 13, 2024 • 104 mins
Led by Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson, the improving Rockets (7-4) have won six of their last eight games while moving up to the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings. With that in mind, Wednesday’s show breaks down the key on-court takeaways from recent games.
Yet, with the Milwaukee Bucks (3-8) off to a bad start in the East, even bigger possibilities might be on the horizon. With Bill Simmons and others li...
Yet, with the Milwaukee Bucks (3-8) off to a bad start in the East, even bigger possibilities might be on the horizon. With Bill Simmons and others li...
Mark as Played
November 6, 2024 • 61 mins
Two weeks into the new 2024-25 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are 4-3 and tied for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. In Wednesday's episode, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down some of the key early storylines. Topics include the increasing importance of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason; inconsistency from Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet; and areas of both concern and opportunity entering the next few games.
Mark as Played
November 4, 2024 • 9 mins
After a statement win at Dallas and a nearly historic comeback versus Golden State (which fell short in overtime), the Rockets (3-3) remain stuck on the launch pad as they hover near .500 early in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Prior to Monday’s home game versus New York, this interview segment explores the highs and lows leading to that inconsistency. Voices include The Lager Line’s Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Chris Gordy and Stan Nor...
Prior to Monday’s home game versus New York, this interview segment explores the highs and lows leading to that inconsistency. Voices include The Lager Line’s Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Chris Gordy and Stan Nor...
Mark as Played
October 29, 2024 • 12 mins
Tuesday’s show is a brief interview between our Ben DuBose and SportsTalk 790’s Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy. Topics include the reasons for Houston’s 2-2 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, including a scoring binge by Jalen Green; inconsistent play by Alperen Sengun; the healthy return of Steven Adams; and whether occasional rebounding issues for the Rockets are an area of concern.
Mark as Played
October 21, 2024 • 62 mins
Tuesday's episode features immediate reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston's newly announced contract extensions with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Discussion topics include the motivations for each deal; why both make sense for the Rockets; and what the agreements indicate about the remainder of Houston's roster and its potential blueprint moving forward.
Mark as Played
October 20, 2024 • 51 mins
Monday’s episode offers a complete 2024-25 season preview featuring Craig Ackerman, the Rockets’ TV play-by-play voice for Space City Home Network. In a conversation with our Ben DuBose, discussion topics include whether postseason expectations are realistic; if Jalen Green and/or Alperen Sengun are ready to take an All-Star leap; behind-the-scenes intel on Ime Udoka, training camp, and Houston’s recently completed preseason; and m...
Mark as Played
October 17, 2024 • 56 mins
Thursday’s episode features more insight related to the ongoing 2024-25 preseason for the Rockets (2-1). Topics include encouraging signs from Steven Adams and Dillon Brooks; questions with Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore; and notes surrounding the remainder of Houston’s roster.
Mark as Played
October 9, 2024 • 56 mins
With preseason play officially underway for the NBA’s 2024-25 season, Wednesday’s show features reaction from our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to early performances from the Rockets.
Topics include encouraging signs by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson; the seemingly healthy return of Steven Adams; and what to watch for as other Houston players such as Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, and Jock Landale make their exhibition debu...
Topics include encouraging signs by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson; the seemingly healthy return of Steven Adams; and what to watch for as other Houston players such as Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, and Jock Landale make their exhibition debu...
Mark as Played
October 1, 2024 • 10 mins
After Monday’s Rockets Media Day, Ben DuBose joined SportsTalk 790’s Next Up to discuss possible contract extensions for Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green.
Şengün had a breakout year last season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting while averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. While it was previously thought that Houston was not likely to extend Şengün and Green prior to the 2024-25 season, there is no...
Şengün had a breakout year last season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting while averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. While it was previously thought that Houston was not likely to extend Şengün and Green prior to the 2024-25 season, there is no...
Mark as Played
September 26, 2024 • 71 mins
Matt Thomas, radio play-by-play voice of the Rockets and former public address (PA) announcer at Toyota Center, joins Thursday’s episode with insight on the 2024-25 season and beyond. Thomas hosts “The Matt Thomas Show” each weekday on SportsTalk 790, the team’s flagship radio station.
Discussion topics include the importance of Houston’s new training center and practice facility; storylines to watch in training camp, which starts O...
Discussion topics include the importance of Houston’s new training center and practice facility; storylines to watch in training camp, which starts O...
Mark as Played
September 11, 2024 • 62 mins
In the start of a new series profiling Houston’s game broadcasters, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network (SCHN) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the 2024-25 Rockets and beyond.
Topics include her insights on organizational leaders such as owner Tilman Fertitta, head coach Ime Udoka, and GM Rafael Stone; expectations for the upcoming season; favorite player and staff interviews; behind-the-scenes intel on her job and SCHN; and...
Topics include her insights on organizational leaders such as owner Tilman Fertitta, head coach Ime Udoka, and GM Rafael Stone; expectations for the upcoming season; favorite player and staff interviews; behind-the-scenes intel on her job and SCHN; and...
Mark as Played
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