Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What approach might Daryl Morey take as the Rockets (37-17) approach the Feb. 23 trade deadline? With Houston in the middle of three off days, we examine the Rockets' priorities heading into rumor season and why they might be in better position to make a deal (Serge Ibaka?) than most think.

#Rockets #NBA

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Survive and advance! It wasn't pretty, but the Rockets (37-17) overcame an 8-point deficit with just over 2:00 left to post their second win in three games. Chicago beat writer Sean Highkin (@highkin) joins us to break down all things Bulls-Rockets, including Eric Gordon's resurgence, Chicago's unexpected strength on rebounds and loose balls (led by Michael Carter-Williams!), Yao Ming's jersey retirement, bizarre officiating, and the effects of the Super Bowl vibe on an NBA arena.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What in the world happened? Ben examines how the Rockets (36-17) blew a 20-point lead over Atlanta with only eight minutes remaining, led by lowlights from Trevor Ariza (1-of-12 FG), Eric Gordon (4-of-14 FG), and Clint Capela. With Houston having lost 8 of its last 13, Ben explains why it's fair to wonder if the team's continued slide might impact its aggressiveness (or lack thereof) at the upcoming trade deadline.

#Rockets #NBA #Hawks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Dwight Howard set to return to Houston for the first time since joining the Atlanta Hawks in last summer's free agency, Ben makes the case for why Rockets fans should remember the good times and give him a standing ovation at Toyota Center in Thursday night's nationally televised game.

#Rockets #NBA #DwightHoward #Hawks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the December Rockets back? It's just one game, but Houston (36-16) was impressive in its 105-83 beatdown of Sacramento, representing just their second 20+ point victory of a 17-game January. Even with James Harden (3-of-9 FG, 10 points) not in MVP form, we break down how Houston got it done with improved D and rebounding, as well as huge contributions from Ryan Anderson (27 points, 11 rebounds), Eric Gordon (17 points), Nene (11 points, 13 minutes) and Clint Capela (12 points, 11 rebounds).

#Rockets #NBA #Kings

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices