The Lager Line
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
July 28, 2025 • 64 mins
With the NBA’s 2025 summer league in the books and the Rockets giving what will likely be their final standard contract to defensive wing Josh Okogie, Houston appears set to enter the 2025-26 season with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard as its primary ball-handlers and play initiators among rotation players.
After a brief but underwhelming stint in Las Vegas, Tuesday’s show explores whether Sheppard is up for the poin...
After a brief but underwhelming stint in Las Vegas, Tuesday’s show explores whether Sheppard is up for the poin...
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July 11, 2025 • 72 mins
Friday’s episode features reaction to the Rockets trading Cam Whitmore to Washington and a preview of Houston’s upcoming summer-league games in Las Vegas (where second-year guard Reed Sheppard will be a clear focal point).
The show also recaps recent interview comments by general manager Rafael Stone and shows why he’s probably correct in his belief that the remainder of the 2025 offseason will be quiet.
The show also recaps recent interview comments by general manager Rafael Stone and shows why he’s probably correct in his belief that the remainder of the 2025 offseason will be quiet.
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July 2, 2025 • 84 mins
With marquee external additions such as Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, along with efficient contract extensions for key personnel such as Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Ime Udoka, the Houston Rockets have turned heads throughout the NBA with their 2025 offseason. According to oddsmakers, they’re now among the leading championship contenders for the 2026 NBA Finals.
In Wednesday’s episode (sponsored by Kar...
In Wednesday’s episode (sponsored by Kar...
Mark as Played
July 1, 2025 • 12 mins
In a phone segment on Tuesday’s The Sean Salisbury Show (SportsTalk 790), our Ben DuBose offers insight on Houston’s rapid free agency agreements with Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela.
Other topics include what weaknesses the Rockets still have, if any; whether general manager Rafael Stone might pursue another All-Star acquisition to pair with Kevin Durant; and perspective on why Cam Whitmore appears to be a trade candidate.
Other topics include what weaknesses the Rockets still have, if any; whether general manager Rafael Stone might pursue another All-Star acquisition to pair with Kevin Durant; and perspective on why Cam Whitmore appears to be a trade candidate.
Mark as Played
June 30, 2025 • 45 mins
As free agency negotiations officially begin around the NBA, the Rockets are continuing a busy offseason. With Kevin Durant already in the fold, Houston has recently agreed to new contracts with Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet, and there are rumors that Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith could be an attainable target during the opening days of 2025 free agency.
Sponsored by Karbach Brewing, Monday’s episode explores all the vario...
Sponsored by Karbach Brewing, Monday’s episode explores all the vario...
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June 25, 2025 • 23 mins
Wednesday’s show features immediate reaction to Fred VanVleet’s cheaper-than-expected contract to re-sign for two years and $50 million (player option on the second season). Topics include what VanVleet’s new deal could mean in terms of increased spending power for the 2025 offseason, as well as more uncertainty regarding the future role of Cam Whitmore in Houston.
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June 22, 2025 • 54 mins
Featuring hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Sunday’s show features immediate reaction to the blockbuster NBA trade sending All-Star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Rockets!
Topics include why the outgoing compensation (Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2025) is reasonable for Houston; what Durant choosing the Rockets says about the franchise; and how the remainder of the offseason cou...
Topics include why the outgoing compensation (Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2025) is reasonable for Houston; what Durant choosing the Rockets says about the franchise; and how the remainder of the offseason cou...
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June 14, 2025 • 20 mins
The Rockets agreed Saturday to extend the contract of veteran center Steven Adams for three years and $39 million. Our rapid reaction podcast explores motivations for the deal and its implications, both for next season’s rotation and the potential of larger deals this offseason.
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June 14, 2025 • 49 mins
With trade talks surrounding the Phoenix Suns and All-Star forward Kevin Durant potentially entering the closing stage, it appears Houston remains among the top suitors. Saturday’s podcast explores the landscape and the price points at which it makes sense for the Rockets to get a deal done (or walk away).
Mark as Played
June 10, 2025 • 34 mins
When the 2025 NBA Finals conclude in a few days, teams across the league will be able to exclusively negotiate with their own pending free agents. With the Rockets, that includes names such as Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate.
So, with Houston’s payroll on the rise, what internal deals are likely to make basketball and business sense? Tuesday’s podcast explores the parameters, including why n...
So, with Houston’s payroll on the rise, what internal deals are likely to make basketball and business sense? Tuesday’s podcast explores the parameters, including why n...
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June 4, 2025 • 42 mins
Wednesday’s episode features reaction and insight from our Ben DuBose to a handful of recent NBA rumors connected to the Rockets. Those include the New York Knicks’ reported interest in Ime Udoka as head coach; a potential Kevin Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns perhaps getting closer; and free agent Brook Lopez becoming a potential backup plan for Houston, should Steven Adams choose to sign elsewhere.
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June 2, 2025 • 34 mins
The Rockets remain a rumored trade suitor for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there hasn’t been much new intel since the NBA’s May 12 draft lottery. With that in mind, Monday’s show explores what Houston’s criteria for any external deal is likely to be in the weeks leading up to the June 25 draft and the June 30 opening of free agency.
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May 13, 2025 • 44 mins
The 2025 NBA draft lottery was an all-time shocker, and not in a good way for the Rockets. Despite entering with very low odds of moving up, divisional rivals Dallas and San Antonio are now slotted to pick at No. 1 and No. 2, where Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper are considered the consensus top prospects. Houston will pick at No. 10 in the first round.
In Tuesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the immediate impl...
In Tuesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the immediate impl...
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May 8, 2025 • 86 mins
Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Thursday’s episode reviews Houston’s 2025 playoff run for each of its eight rotation players and head coach Ime Udoka.
Using a “stock up, stock down, and neutral” grading system, the show reviews the good (Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, and Fred VanVleet) for the Rockets; the bad (Jalen Green); and everything in between during a seven-game series loss to Golden State.
Using a “stock up, stock down, and neutral” grading system, the show reviews the good (Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, and Fred VanVleet) for the Rockets; the bad (Jalen Green); and everything in between during a seven-game series loss to Golden State.
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May 5, 2025 • 45 mins
After fighting back from a 3-1 deficit to tie their first-round series against the Warriors, the Rockets’ 2025 playoff run is over after a home loss in Game 7.
In the aftermath of a dreadful showing on offense (74 points in the first 45+ minutes), Monday’s show features reaction by our Ben DuBose to what went wrong against Golden State. Topics include the reasons for inefficient showings by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; the spaci...
In the aftermath of a dreadful showing on offense (74 points in the first 45+ minutes), Monday’s show features reaction by our Ben DuBose to what went wrong against Golden State. Topics include the reasons for inefficient showings by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; the spaci...
Mark as Played
May 3, 2025 • 14 mins
After once trailing the Warriors, 3-1, in their first-round playoff series, the Rockets have defied the odds to force a Game 7 in Houston! Saturday’s mini-episode features a compilation of radio calls (via Matt Thomas, Rockets Radio Network) from Friday’s thrilling Game 6 victory at Golden State, along with an exclusive postgame interview (12:00) with veteran center Steven Adams.
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May 1, 2025 • 38 mins
After falling behind, 3-1, in their first-round playoff series, the Rockets survived their first elimination game versus the Warriors with a home blowout in Game 5. Can they do the same in Friday’s Game 6 at Golden State and force a decisive Game 7 back in Houston?
With a pivotal weekend ahead, Thursday’s podcast explores what we’ve learned in recent games while sharing some keys to success in Game 6 and hopefully Game 7. Discussion...
With a pivotal weekend ahead, Thursday’s podcast explores what we’ve learned in recent games while sharing some keys to success in Game 6 and hopefully Game 7. Discussion...
Mark as Played
April 25, 2025 • 80 mins
After splitting the opening two games in Houston, the first-round playoff series between the Rockets and Warriors now shifts to Golden State for the next two games.
Friday’s episode explores what we learned from the first two contests, including encouraging signs from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green; Houston’s relatively strong defensive effort against Steph Curry; and the role of Jimmy Butler’s uncertain health in upcoming games.
Friday’s episode explores what we learned from the first two contests, including encouraging signs from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green; Houston’s relatively strong defensive effort against Steph Curry; and the role of Jimmy Butler’s uncertain health in upcoming games.
Mark as Played
April 17, 2025 • 47 mins
Is the fifth time the charm? With a first-round series against their nemesis coming up, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explain why 2025 should finally be the time for the Rockets to beat the Warriors in the playoffs.
Discussion topics on our series preview show include key storylines to watch for; predictions for what is likely to happen; and the role of players such as Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Fred VanVleet as potentially cr...
Discussion topics on our series preview show include key storylines to watch for; predictions for what is likely to happen; and the role of players such as Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Fred VanVleet as potentially cr...
Mark as Played
April 15, 2025 • 84 mins
The NBA’s 2024-25 postseason begins with Tuesday night’s play-in tournament games — and in the Western Conference, the Golden State/Memphis winner will earn the No. 7 playoff seed and a date with the No. 2 Rockets in a first-round series. With that in mind, our latest show explores key variables and storylines for the Rockets (52-30) entering the 2025 playoffs.
Discussion topics s include whether the Warriors or Grizzlies would be a...
Discussion topics s include whether the Warriors or Grizzlies would be a...
Mark as Played
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