Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, joins Saturday’s The Lager Line podcast to discuss what’s new for the 2023-24 team and beyond.

Discussion topics include Houston’s offseason roster changes and why that sparked the “Liftoff” theme; what the newly formed Space City Home Network (SCHN) could mean to fans watching on television; and how the latest $30-million renovation phase will shape the future at Toyota Center.

Saturday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves regarding the first two games of the 2023-24 NBA preseason for the Rockets. Topics include Houston’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

Wednesday’s show features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s recent signing of veteran wing Reggie Bullock. The episode also breaks down key takeaways and quotes from Monday’s media day and the ensuing start of 2023-24 Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Fresh off Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center, Monday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose on key themes and takeaways. Topics include Houston’s new culture under Ime Udoka and a new-look coaching staff; how the additions of several veterans could play a key role in the 2023-24 season; and why Kevin Porter Jr. already appears to be something of an afterthought for the organization.

Thursday’s episode features long-form analysis by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves of the continued Kevin Porter Jr. fallout and what Houston’s future looks like without him. Discussion topics include plausible trade options; how losing Porter affects other players on the current team; and what the failed Porter experiment ultimately says (and doesn’t say) about the Rockets’ front office and ownership.

Jeff Pearlman, bestselling author of the book (Showtime) on which HBO’s Winning Time television show is based, joins our Ben DuBose to discuss how storylines related to the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers shaped the modern NBA. Topics include Houston’s role as a foil to the Lakers; highlights and key moments from the show; and why it still has relevance to fans outside of Los Angeles.

Friday’s show also offers insight on the latest reports surrounding Kevin Porter Jr.’s assault arrest and his uncertain future with the Rockets and the NBA, including why a trade could be more realistic than some think.

Monday’s abbreviated episode features reaction from Ben DuBose to the news of Kevin Porter Jr.’s arrest in New York for an alleged domestic assault and strangulation, including why his time with the Rockets is likely over and what it means for the franchise moving forward.

Wednesday’s episode features insight on Houston’s future draft outlook relative to other teams, and why it could be better than a recent Bleacher Report article believes. Other topics include key takeaways from Dillon Brooks’ performance on Canada’s 2023 FIBA World Cup team, as well as the implications of Oklahoma City waiving Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington Jr. and what it says about Rockets general manager Rafael Stone.

In Friday’s show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to Houston’s newly released 2023-24 schedule and whispers of a potential Joel Embiid deal down the line.

If Embiid asks out of tumultuous situation in Philadelphia, as many around the NBA eventually expect him to do, should Rockets general manager Rafael Stone pursue the 29-year-old reigning MVP?

Our latest episode explores the pros and cons, including why a trade may be more feasible than some think. The show also breaks down Houston’s brand-new schedule, including why a relatively soft start could be a significant gift to Ime Udoka and the Rockets next season.

Monday’s mini-episode breaks down the turmoil involving James Harden and Daryl Morey and how the Rockets are connected, both from the duo’s many previous years in Houston as well as Harden’s reunion flirtation prior to 2023 free agency. Our Ben DuBose explains how we got here, what it says about the Rockets, and why the door for a Harden return is likely shut for good.