In perhaps the most memorable game yet of Houston’s 2025-26 season, Amen Thompson hit a game-winning tip shot at the buzzer as the Rockets rallied past Miami. At 43-27, Houston remains at No. 4 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings, which would put the Rockets in line to hold home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2026 playoffs.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show recaps all the key storylines. Topics include brilliant games from Thompson and Reed Sheppard versus a quality opponent; the odds of Sheppard maintaining his new starting role into the playoffs; and the history made by Kevin Durant, who passed Michael Jordan for No. 5 in all-time NBA points.

This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiy6ETQkdsY

After two ugly losses in three games, the Rockets (39-24) have fallen back to No. 4 in the Western Conference and are close to falling out of the top four altogether — which would mean starting the 2026 playoffs on the road.

So, what should Houston fans take away after a pair of concerning defeats to San Antonio and Golden State? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the key takeaways, including signs of regression from Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason; potential team-building implications for the 2026 offseason; and why Wednesday’s opponent (the Denver Nuggets) could be a friendlier matchup for the Rockets, relative to the Spurs.

With another strong showing in Monday’s victory at Washington, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is clearly making a push to start and finish more games. Houston (38-22) is now 5-2 since the All-Star break while continuing to hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.

Featuring Ben DuBose, ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, our Rockets-Wizards postgame show reacts to all the key storylines. Topics include injury management for the likes of Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.; what more starts for Sheppard could look like; and why a relatively quiet buyout market might point to a contract conversion for JD Davison or Isaiah Crawford.

This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXc48A8PXpI

Even after losing Saturday’s game at Miami, the Rockets (37-22) remain at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings. When factoring in widespread injuries throughout Houston’s roster, things could certainly be a lot worse.

Yet, even with Kevin Durant in All-NBA form, there are still several questions to answer as the Rockets embark upon the final weeks of the regular season and what they hope is an extended run in the 2026 playoffs. Those questions include:

• With Steven Adams unavailable and Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle sprain) sidelined for at least a few days, is Alperen Sengun becoming a liability at center?
• Should Reed Sheppard start in the backcourt?
• Is Ime Udoka maximizing Houston’s offense?
• Could a potential buyout signing make a difference?

Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s postgame show attempts to answer those questions while also offering key takeaways from that loss to the Heat. Tune in!

This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvMphBfmsgA

Kevin Durant, burner or not, was scorching (35 points, 70% FG) in Houston’s 105-101 victory at Charlotte. With the win, the Rockets (34-20) moved up to the No. 3 spot in the tightly packed Western Conference standings.

Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Thursday night’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key takeaways.

Discussion topics include Durant setting the right tone; promising signs from two young players in Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard; and strong defensive performances off the bench from Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae’Sean Tate.

The Rockets entered the NBA’s 2026 All-Star break at 33-20 and No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and they exit with something of a scandal on their hands.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday’s episode breaks down the alleged Kevin Durant “burner” controversy, along with reasons for on-court optimism heading into the final 29 games of the regular season.

The show also looks ahead to Houston’s probable run in the 2026 playoffs, and specifically what needs to happen in order for this season to be viewed as a success.

Houston didn’t make a move at Thursday’s in-season trade deadline, but the Rockets did get a much-needed victory in Saturday’s 112-106 win at Oklahoma City.

For the Rockets, it's their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league’s best record.

Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty, Saturday night’s postgame show reacts to both the trade deadline and that nationally televised Rockets-Thunder showdown.

Discussion points include offensive growth from Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; an apparent step forward for Alperen Sengun on defense; what general manager Rafael Stone considered at the deadline; and potential buyout options and trade targets over the coming weeks and months.

This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZfQqFRZMy0

The NBA’s in-season trade deadline is this Thursday, and the Rockets are 8-2 in their last 10 games.

So, is Houston (31-17, No. 4 in 2025-26 Western Conference) more or less likely to make a move? In our latest full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the pros and cons, including maximizing the Kevin Durant window while ensuring that the 2026-27 team is still set up for success.

On a relative off night for Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, it was two of Houston’s emerging talents — Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. — who made the difference in Saturday’s close win over Dallas.

With the victory, the Rockets (30-17) enter February at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key storylines from an ABC primetime showdown. Topics include a brilliant showing by rising Mavericks star Cooper Flagg; why improvements from the likes of Thompson, Smith, Tari Eason, and Josh Okogie are part of a broader trend; defensive concerns with Reed Sheppard and Sengun; and Houston’s expectations entering the week of the NBA’s in-season trade deadline.

This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n772NV2SPaI

After going 0-3 in December on the second game of back-to-backs, the Rockets are 3-0 in January — and elite performances by 37-year-old Kevin Durant continue to be the biggest reason.

With Thursday’s win at Atlanta, Houston (29-17) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference.

Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame recap breaks down all the key takeaways. Topics include a strong defensive showing against the Hawks; encouraging signs from Durant, Clint Capela, and Jabari Smith Jr.; and a sluggish night from Alperen Sengun.

Friday’s show also looks ahead to next week’s in-season trade deadline and what it might look like for the Rockets, particularly after losing Steven Adams to a season-ending ankle injury.