Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

What playoff matchups are most advantageous for the Rockets, and what conclusions can we draw from Eric Gordon's triumph in Saturday's three-point contest? Ben offers his takeaways, including a breakdown of how Memphis, Oklahoma City, Utah, and the Los Angeles Clippers would stack up as potential playoff opponents.

#Rockets #NBA

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Are bigger, athletic teams like Hassan Whiteside's Miami Heat a matchup problem for the Rockets (40-18)? Aly Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) joins us for his regular "film study" segment with analysis, including a look at Houston's recent tendency to go stagnant offensively when James Harden has the ball. Ben and Aly also look ahead to the trade deadline and what roster changes might mitigate some of the bouts of inconsistency.

#Rockets #NBA #TradeDeadline

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The Miami Heat (25-32) entered the game as one of the league's worst offensive teams, but they outmuscled and outhustled the Rockets (40-18) at Toyota Center, scoring a whopping 117 points in their 117-109 victory. James Harden (38 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists) was brilliant, but the Rockets otherwise struggled — with depth issues, subpar rim protection, and an untimely groin injury to Pat Beverley leading the way. In this episode, Ben breaks down where it went wrong and whether some of the issues should be addressed in the form of roster upgrades by next Thursday's trade deadline.

#Rockets #NBA #Heat

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The Rockets (40-17) didn't land Serge Ibaka, so what does that tell us about their approach to the trade deadline? We explore the likely factors behind Daryl Morey not getting a deal done, led by a focus on long-term cap ramifications, and what that means for Houston's likelihood of striking deals over the next week.

#Rockets #NBA #NBATradeDeadline

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With the Rockets off, we catch up with "Rocket Girl" super fan Brie Hodenfield (@00rocketgirl) and learn all about her latest line of Rockets-themed Valentine's Day cards. Brie also gives her take on the Rockets' rapid improvement on the floor, as well as the creativity of the Red Rowdies off it — and the impact they bring to the fan environment at Toyota Center.

#Rockets #NBA #RedRowdies #ValentinesDay

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Five wins in six games, including four in a row. Two of the last three by 20+ points. It seems clear the Rockets (40-17), now 5 games up for the West's No. 3 seed, are back in peak form. In the aftermath of a 133-102 drubbing of the Suns, we examine how this turnaround has happened — starting with James Harden's return to MVP efficiency, and much-improved energy from Trevor Ariza (+44) and Pat Beverley (+36).

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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With 4 wins in their last 5, are the Rockets (39-17) all the way back? We examine encouraging signs from Thursday night's double-digit win in Charlotte, including James Harden's killer instinct, continued strong play from Pat Beverley and Trevor Ariza, and Montrezl Harrell's unique ability to bounce from a DNP-CD to being a major contributor. We also look at Eric Gordon's latest bout with a sore back and explain why it isn't likely to be a significant concern.

#Rockets #NBA

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ESPN's Calvin Watkins breaks down his report of the Rockets showing trade interest in big man Serge Ibaka and free agent interest in veteran guards Jarrett Jack and Mario Chalmers. With Houston (38-17) showing improved play of late on the floor, Calvin and Ben explore the team's current needs, who Daryl Morey might need to trade to facilitate a deal — and the timing of when a transaction could actually go down.

#Rockets #NBA #TradeDeadline #ESPN

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If the Rockets were to make an impact trade at the deadline, rather than one for mere depth, how could they do it? We examine the young assets other teams would most likely seek in such a deal — led by Montrezl Harrell, future draft picks, Sam Dekker, and Clint Capela — and the feasibility of each fitting within Houston's broader mission of contending in the Western Conference playoffs this year and potentially luring another All-Star level player this summer.

#Rockets #NBA #TradeDeadline

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With three off days prior to Tuesday's game, the Rockets (38-17) showed off fresh legs in a 128-104 win over Orlando. Red Nation Hoops contributor Taylor Pate joins us to break down how Houston posted its strongest team performance in weeks, led by resurgent showings from veterans like Trevor Ariza, Nene, and Eric Gordon. Taylor and Ben also examine Clint Capela's improved play (17 points, 9 rebounds) and James Harden's continued sluggish shooting (6-of-21 FG) in rest scenarios.

#Rockets #NBA #Magic

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