Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

Thursday's show explores the latest injury updates for the Rockets (25-5), including why the combination of losing Chris Paul (out, left adductor strain) and Clint Capela (doubtful, left heel contusion) at the same time is likely to cause significantly more rotation changes than before. Internal candidates to fill the minutes such as Bobby Brown, Briante Weber, and Demetrius Jackson are analyzed.

Ben also addresses new gossip this week regarding LeBron James and DeAndre Jordan as potential options for Houston in 2018 free agency.

#Rockets #NBA #CP3

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The winning streak is over at 14 games for the Rockets (25-5), who lost for the first time since November 14 in Wednesday's 123-116 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

James Harden (51 points, 15-of-27 FG, 9 assists) looked as explosive as he's been in some time, but Houston couldn't overcome an early 48-26 deficit and injuries to Clint Capela (heel, DNP) and Chris Paul, who departed early with a left adductor strain.

Paul was just 2-of-7 for 8 points and a plus/minus differential of -16 in 25 minutes, and he looked noticeably less explosive than in previous games. Though it was not a knee injury, that's the same left leg that caused Paul to miss 14 games earlier this season with a bruised knee.

Meanwhile, Ryan Anderson scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 25 minutes, and Houston was -22 in plus/minus differential with Anderson on the court. It's the third consecutive poor outing from Anderson, and it came at an inopportune time with both Nene (defense) and Tarik Black (offense) showing limitations in the absence of Capela.

Wednesday's postgame show breaks down those angles and more, including why it isn't fair to blame head coach Mike D'Antoni for the sudden wave of injuries to the rotation.

#Rockets #NBA #Lakers

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The Rockets (25-4) won their 14th straight game and 20th of their past 21 in Monday night's 120-99 home win over the Utah Jazz, punctuated by a 37-8 run to end the game. Eric Gordon led the way with a team-high 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting, while Clint Capela had 24 points and 20 rebounds with a plus/minus of +35 in his 35 minutes.

Monday's postgame show recaps those performances and more, including a near triple-double from Chris Paul (18 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds) and the importance of the Rockets' ability to seemingly catch fire at any moment.

#Rockets #NBA #Jazz

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James Harden played through knee pain to score a team-high 31 points in 39 minutes, while Chris Paul scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half as the Rockets (24-4) extended their winning streak to 13 games with a 115-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Toyota Center.

Sunday’s postgame episode breaks down all the key storylines — including the grit and desire shown by Harden, the importance of Paul coming through again in the clutch, and why every game is meaningful if the Rockets are serious about holding off the Warriors (23-6) for the West’s No. 1 seed.

Sunday’s show also explores the recent injuries to Clint Capela (bruised heel) and Luc Mbah a Moute (shoulder), and what impact they might have on the minutes distribution for the remainder of the rotation.

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Led by 28 points (10-of-18 FG), 8 assists, and 7 steals from Chris Paul, the Rockets (23-4) were in control throughout in Friday's 124-109 win over the Spurs (19-10). The win pushes Houston's current winning streak to 12 games and 18 of 19. 

Our Ben DuBose breaks down all the key storylines from the first Houston-San Antonio matchup since the 2017 postseason, including why the win was quite meaningful for the Rockets' confidence and in the standings. 

#Rockets #NBA #Spurs #CP3

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Chris Paul remains undefeated as a Houston Rocket, and he was the leading storyline yet again in Wednesday's romp over the Charlotte Hornets. Our Ben DuBose breaks down how CP3 picked up the slack and then some with 31 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds as Houston (22-4) won its 11th straight game overall. 

Ben also explores the potential impact of Luc Mbah a Moute's expected 2-3 week absence due to a shoulder injury and responds to fan questions over empty seats in premium lower level seats at Toyota Center. 

#Rockets #NBA #CP3

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Wednesday's show explores recent rumors linking LeBron James and the Rockets in 2018 free agency — including why our Ben DuBose thinks many in the national media are lagging behind on this story and how Houston potentially winning a championship this season could impact the odds.

Ben also expounds on the return of Dwight Howard (now with the Charlotte Hornets) to Toyota Center on Wednesday night, with a reminder of why Rockets fans would be best served to cheer for their former center in the nationally televised game.

#Rockets #NBA #LeBron

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MVP frontrunner James Harden had 26 points (including 12 points in the final 3:45 minutes) and tied a career high with 17 assists as the Rockets (21-4) rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half vs. New Orleans to extend their winning streak to 10 and win for the 16th time in 17 games.

Ben DuBose breaks down all the highlights, including the "will to win" shown by Harden and Chris Paul, new career highs for Clint Capela (28 points, 5 blocks), and a slump-busting night from Eric Gordon (27 points, 9-of-12 FG).

#Rockets #NBA #Harden #MVP

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The Rockets (20-4) won their ninth consecutive game and 15th of 16 by blitzing the Blazers 40-19 in the fourth quarter in Portland. Our postgame recap breaks it all down, headlined by the small-ball lineup (Tucker, Ariza, Gordon, Harden, Paul) that helped generate the comeback from the 14-point deficit.

We also explore a massive night for James Harden and Chris Paul, who combined for 74 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, as well as the ongoing shooting slump for Eric Gordon.

#Rockets #NBA

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The Rockets (19-4) have won 8 consecutive games and 14 of 15 after Thursday night's 112-101 victory in Utah. Our Ben DuBose breaks it all down, including how James Harden (29 points) and Chris Paul (18 points, 13 assists) found even more help than usual from the likes of Ryan Anderson (23 points, 9-of-11 FG) and superb team defense.

#Rockets #NBA 

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