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
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
April 10, 2025 • 42 mins
With Houston (52-28) now locked into the No. 2 seed in the 2025 Western Conference playoffs, Thursday’s show explores the various considerations at play for Ime Udoka's squad.
Discussion topics include the rest vs. rust debate as the regular season winds down; which potential playoff opponents are best for the Rockets’ chances; and why the 2024-25 season should already be considered a success, even before the playoff run begins.
Discussion topics include the rest vs. rust debate as the regular season winds down; which potential playoff opponents are best for the Rockets’ chances; and why the 2024-25 season should already be considered a success, even before the playoff run begins.
Mark as Played
April 3, 2025 • 31 mins
With 13 wins in their last 15 games, the Rockets (50-27) have officially clinched their first division title and NBA playoff berth in five years!
Thursday's episode reflects on reasons to celebrate in Houston, along with what to watch for as the 2024-25 Rockets try to secure the West's No. 2 seed and position themselves for an extended playoff run in April and May. The latter likely requires a near-peak version of Fred VanVleet, who...
Thursday's episode reflects on reasons to celebrate in Houston, along with what to watch for as the 2024-25 Rockets try to secure the West's No. 2 seed and position themselves for an extended playoff run in April and May. The latter likely requires a near-peak version of Fred VanVleet, who...
Mark as Played
March 25, 2025 • 74 mins
With 10 regular-season games left, the Rockets (46-26) remain at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, though their margin has narrowed after Sunday’s home loss to No. 3 Denver (45-28).
Tuesday’s show (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks down what to watch for down the home stretch of the 2024-25 season. Topics include strategies for Houston to get back to its elite defensive play from earlier in the season; questions surroun...
Tuesday’s show (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks down what to watch for down the home stretch of the 2024-25 season. Topics include strategies for Houston to get back to its elite defensive play from earlier in the season; questions surroun...
Mark as Played
March 18, 2025 • 39 mins
Despite trailing by 25 points in the second half, the winning streak is somehow at seven games and counting for the Rockets (44-25, No. 2 in West) after Monday’s bizarre victory over Philadelphia.
In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the latest developments, including an increasingly important home-court advantage; clear signs of progress for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.; and why Alperen Sengun’s second-half benchin...
In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the latest developments, including an increasingly important home-court advantage; clear signs of progress for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.; and why Alperen Sengun’s second-half benchin...
Mark as Played
March 12, 2025 • 58 mins
With Amen Thompson sidelined by injury, the Rockets (40-25) have begun experimenting with bigger lineups, and it seems to be working — as evidenced by Houston’s three-game winning streak.
With that in mind, Wednesday’s show explores the short- and long-term feasibility of the Alperen Sengun-Steven Adams “double big” lineup, along with insight on Jabari Smith Jr.’s recent surge and his viability as a 6-foot-11 small forward.
The episo...
With that in mind, Wednesday’s show explores the short- and long-term feasibility of the Alperen Sengun-Steven Adams “double big” lineup, along with insight on Jabari Smith Jr.’s recent surge and his viability as a 6-foot-11 small forward.
The episo...
Mark as Played
March 10, 2025 • 32 mins
The Rockets (39-25, No. 5 in West) enter Monday coming off back-to-back wins but needing to navigate a new short-term reality without second-year star Amen Thompson, who is out for at least 10-to-14 days with a left ankle sprain.
With that in mind, our reaction show explores why the injury may have come at a fortunate time of Houston's schedule; what lineups Ime Udoka can rely on in Thompson’s absence; and why Jalen Green and Alpere...
With that in mind, our reaction show explores why the injury may have come at a fortunate time of Houston's schedule; what lineups Ime Udoka can rely on in Thompson’s absence; and why Jalen Green and Alpere...
Mark as Played
February 28, 2025 • 37 mins
With Fred VanVleet back healthy, Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced Friday that Houston (37-22) plans to start start Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks at forward for the foreseeable future (ahead of Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason).
Our Ben DuBose explains the reasons behind those choices, including the importance of building chemistry and continuity among the starting five as the 2025 NBA playoffs approach.
Our Ben DuBose explains the reasons behind those choices, including the importance of building chemistry and continuity among the starting five as the 2025 NBA playoffs approach.
Mark as Played
February 25, 2025 • 65 mins
After losing six straight games earlier this month, the Rockets (35-22, No. 4 in the West) entered this week with three wins in their last five games. Tuesday’s podcast explores areas of encouragement, starting with a healthier roster out of the All-Star break, along with a few concerning trends — such as defensive inconsistency and issues on the second game of back-to-backs.
Other topics on this week’s show, again sponsored by Hou...
Other topics on this week’s show, again sponsored by Hou...
Mark as Played
February 11, 2025 • 66 mins
With widespread injuries up and down the roster, the Rockets aren't at their best in February 2025, as evidenced by six losses in their last seven games. They also went through a relatively quiet in-season trade deadline window, with general manager Rafael Stone only making a pair of moves to acquire future second-round NBA draft capital.
With that in mind, Tuesday's show explores why the time wasn't right for Houston (33-20) to mak...
With that in mind, Tuesday's show explores why the time wasn't right for Houston (33-20) to mak...
Mark as Played
January 30, 2025 • 76 mins
As Amen Thompson’s brilliant play continues, the Rockets (32-14) enter Thursday with four straight wins and an 11-3 record in January. That mark includes three flagship victories in the past week, and two on the road, over the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-9) and defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (33-15).
So, is Houston thinking title contention as soon as the 2025 playoffs? Thursday’s show explores reasons for optimism and caution, a...
So, is Houston thinking title contention as soon as the 2025 playoffs? Thursday’s show explores reasons for optimism and caution, a...
Mark as Played
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
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