Rockets LaunchPod

In an exclusive SportsTalk 790 interview, Patrick Fertitta — alternate governor of the Rockets — joins Adam Clanton and Adam Wexler (The A-Team) to preview Houston’s upcoming 2026-27 season. As part of the conversation, Fertitta makes the case for why the Rockets could have a “real chance” at title contention in the 2027 NBA playoffs.

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The NBA’s 2026-27 regular season is officially here! As Houston prepares for its home opener on Wednesday, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their perspectives and insight regarding the final roster and what appears to be a challenging opening week versus the Mavericks, Spurs, and Hawks (twice).

The show concludes with a segment predicting the season as a whole, including the Rockets’ final record and Western Conference seed; players in line for individual leaps; and the biggest question(s) or concern(s) for the year to come.

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As the Rockets close out their 2026 preseason slate, what have we learned from this month’s exhibitions? In Thursday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to all the key storylines, led by encouraging showings from Fred VanVleet (returning from an ACL tear) and Tari Eason.

The show also explores a few areas of potential concern, including an uneven start for Amen Thompson and whether Reed Sheppard is likely to get sufficient minutes in his third NBA season.

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Marcus Smart and Jabari Smith Jr. had impressive showings, but the short-handed Rockets didn’t have enough firepower to keep pace with the Mavericks in Sunday’s 132-115 exhibition loss. With that result, Dallas and Houston split their two-game preseason series in China.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all of the game’s key storylines, including the impact of key absences such as Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams.

Other discussion topics include uneven guard play from Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson; the importance of Smart and VanVleet as stabilizing veterans; and signs of offseason growth from Smith and Tari Eason. 

Tune in here or on YouTube (video version)! A box score and recap of Sunday’s game is available via NBA.com.

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With 17 points, 7 assists, five 3-pointers, and only one turnover, Fred VanVleet was dynamic in his return from injury as Houston opened its preseason by routing the Dallas Mavericks.

Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Friday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines from the 2026 NBA China Games opener. Discussion topics include how the reintegration of VanVleet should make life easier for other Rockets, as well as analysis of big nights for Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and more. 

Tune in here or on YouTube (video version)!




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Training camp is now underway for the 2026-27 Rockets, and Houston’s roster appears deeper and better thanks to the offseason addition of Marcus Smart and the healthy returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to on-court activity.

Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Friday’s show wraps up the first week of camp, with particular emphasis on how Smart will change the team and why Ime Udoka is already declaring that “double big” lineups (featuring Adams and Alperen Sengun) are back on the menu.

Other discussion topics include closing thoughts on Media Day and Amen Thompson’s recent contract extension, as well as early thoughts on Kevin Durant’s contractual status (2027 player option) entering this season.



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In Wednesday’s show, Ben DuBose (USA TODAY’s Rockets Wire) and Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans) break down the key takeaways and themes as Houston opens training camp for its 2026-27 season.

Topics include why Fred VanVleet (with a new knee) and Tari Eason (with a new contract) were standouts during Media Day interviews; what to make of blunt comments by All-NBA forward Kevin Durant; and how the offseason signing of Marcus Smart could already be paying dividends. 

Additional topics include reaction to commentary by Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, Steven Adams, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and more.

If a stream is desired, this episode can be viewed in video form on YouTube.

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To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.

Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we’re playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. 

Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.

Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.

Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we’re playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. 

Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.

Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.

To kick off training camp for the upcoming season, the Houston Rockets hosted their 2026 Media Day on Tuesday, September 22.

Our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves will have extended coverage and analysis in the days ahead. For now, we’re playing back all of the Q&A interviews for players, head coach Ime Udoka, and general manager Rafael Stone. 

Training camp officially opens on Wednesday, September 23.

Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.