The Lager Line by SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)

05.13.2024

How landing the No. 3 draft pick changes Houston’s offseason

Monday’s episode features immediate reaction to the Rockets unexpectedly securing the No. 3 overall pick (via Brooklyn) in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.Topics include plausible candidates (Alex Sarr, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham) to draft if Houston keeps its high...

05.03.2024

NBA playoffs storylines to watch for the Rockets

Though their 41-41 record was much improved from last season, Houston didn’t quite qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Yet, among the teams competing, there are quite a few storylines that could become very relevant to the future of the...

04.19.2024

Rockets launch 2024 offseason with Rafael Stone extension

The Rockets (41-41) finished 2023-24 at .500, and their 19-win jump from last season was the largest of any NBA team and the second-biggest annual increase in franchise history. Houston is just the fifth team in the last 30 years...

04.11.2024

As season winds down, Rockets have key milestones in sight

In a loaded Western Conference, the goal of advancing to the 2024 postseason proved to be too ambitious for the young and improving Houston Rockets (39-40). Yet, with three games left to play, a more attainable goal of a .500...

04.03.2024

As play-in hopes fade, why Rockets’ future remains bright

Despite a 13-3 record from March onward, a 2024 Western Conference postseason berth is becoming increasingly unlikely for the Rockets (38-37). Thursday’s home game versus the Warriors (41-34), whose recent five-game winning streak has created separation in that race for...

03.27.2024

Jalen Green’s star rises as Rockets win nine straight

The streak continues! The Rockets (36-35) are back above .500 for the first time since early January, and they’ve won nine straight games for the first time in over five years. Their 11-1 record in March leads the NBA, and...

03.19.2024

Rockets, Jalen Green suddenly can’t stop winning

The Rockets (32-35) are 7-1 in March with a five-game winning streak, and Jalen Green is the Western Conference Player of the Week. With those recent wins, Houston’s hopes of a play-in tournament push in the West are suddenly very...

03.12.2024

Rockets relieved as Alperen Sengun avoids major injury

Alperen Sengun’s 2023-24 season could be over after a leg injury, but it looks like there won’t be any further impact on his future. Monday’s abbreviated show explores the long-term significance of that news, as well as short-term lineup changes...

03.05.2024

VanVleet vs. Harden, Tari Eason update, Houston’s new math strategy

Tuesday’s episode breaks down the good and bad of Houston’s 2-4 stretch out of the All-Star break, which culminated with Jalen Green’s strong showing during Saturday’s win in Phoenix. In particular, Paulo and Ben explore Ime Udoka’s new emphasis on...

02.22.2024

Ime Udoka stays the course with Rockets, Jalen Green

After hinting at a potential change to Houston’s starting lineup, head coach Ime Udoka announced at Wednesday’s practice that the Rockets will stay the course for the time being. What does that say about the future of Jalen Green, who...

02.16.2024

Lineup changes: What is Ime Udoka hinting at?

The Rockets (24-30) enter the NBA’s 2024 All-Star break with five losses in six games, and head coach Ime Udoka is hinting at possible changes to his lineup and rotation.What could those be, and will it be worthwhile? Friday’s podcast...

02.02.2024

On Jalen Green’s resurgence and the Steven Adams trade

After an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 season, third-year guard Jalen Green has exploded of late, averaging nearly 30 points per game on outstanding efficiency over Houston’s last five games.So, is it sustainable, and does it change how the Rockets...

01.26.2024

Dry January continues for Rockets

After Wednesday’s heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Portland, the Rockets are just 3-8 in their last 11 games. Is it time to reset expectations after a rough January?Friday’s show explores a new sobering reality in Houston, where the Rockets...

01.19.2024

What’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip?

Friday’s show explores what’s next for the Rockets after a 1-5 road trip that dropped Houston (19-21) outside of the Western Conference play-in tournament field, as things currently stand.Topics include reasons not to be concerned about the squad’s recent defensive...

01.12.2024

Lessons learned from Rockets’ heartbreak in Chicago

Friday’s show reacts to a heartbreaking Rockets loss in Chicago and shares some lessons learned for upcoming games. Topics include the importance of running late-game offense through Alperen Sengun; missed opportunities for Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore; the impact of...

01.05.2024

Can Alperen Sengun be an All-Star and a max player in 2024?

Happy New Year! 2024 is starting on a great note for the Rockets (17-15), who defeated Brooklyn and Detroit by double digits thanks in large part to spectacular play from Alperen Sengun.With that in mind, Friday’s show explores whether Houston’s...

12.20.2023

Rockets, NBA trade season preview with Karthik Prasad

Karthik Prasad (@StanfordKP) joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves for a roundtable chat regarding NBA trade season, which unofficially begins each December 15—the annual date at which most players who signed new contracts in the previous offseason can be dealt.From...

12.15.2023

Rockets streaking again as Tari Eason’s surge offsets Jalen Green’s slump

For a second time in under two months, the Rockets (12-9) have won at least four straight games, and they’re currently on pace to go 47-35 for the 2023-24 season as a whole. This time, Houston is doing it even...

12.05.2023

As Houston’s offense sputters, is Jabari Smith Jr. ready for a bigger role?

The Rockets continue to excel at home, where they are 8-1, but struggle on the road, where they remain the NBA’s only winless (0-8) team. One reason is Houston’s inconsistent offense, which ranks No. 20 in the league in net...

11.24.2023

As Jalen Green goes, so goes Rockets’ offense

Friday’s episode reviews the extreme peaks and valleys of Jalen Green this season and explores strategies that Rockets coach Ime Udoka could adopt in hopes of minimizing the low points. With Houston (7-6) ranking No. 18 in the NBA in...

11.14.2023

Six straight! Key themes to Rockets’ ongoing win streak

Tuesday’s episode of The Lager Line, sponsored by Karbach Brewing, features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s six-game winning streak. Rockets topics include the roles of veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green in...

11.06.2023

Winning streak! How Rockets could be turning a corner

After an 0-3 start to the 2023-24 season, Houston enters this week at 2-3 and having won two straight games by an average margin of 14 points. Monday’s episode explores reasons behind the improvement, led by Ime Udoka’s new-look defense...

11.03.2023

Creative director Jose Lopez on new City jerseys and beyond

Jose Lopez, senior creative director for the Rockets, joins Friday’s show with exclusive details on the process leading to Houston’s new City Edition uniforms and corresponding court at Toyota Center for the 2023-24 NBA season.In an extended interview, Lopez explains...

10.25.2023

Rockets time capsule: 2023-24 goals and expectations

Tuesday’s episode previews the start of the 2023-24 regular season for the Rockets (at Orlando and San Antonio, then a seven-game homestand) while also offering key themes and storylines to watch as the year progresses.Discussion topics include how Jabari Smith...

10.21.2023

Gretchen Sheirr on 2023-24 Rockets business and beyond

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...

10.14.2023

Key takeaways from Houston’s first two preseason games

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...

10.04.2023

Reggie Bullock deal reaction, early training camp takeaways

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...

10.02.2023

Three takeaways from 2023 Rockets Media Day

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...

09.21.2023

Houston’s path forward without Kevin Porter Jr.

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...

09.15.2023

Jeff Pearlman on HBO’s Winning Time and the modern NBA

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...

09.11.2023

Implications of Kevin Porter Jr.’s assault arrest

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...

08.30.2023

Rockets notes: Future draft outlook, FIBA Dillon Brooks takeaways

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...

08.18.2023

Reaction to Joel Embiid rumors and Houston’s new 2023-24 schedule

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...

08.15.2023

Closing the door on the James Harden and Daryl Morey era

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...

08.08.2023

Which Rockets have most at stake in 2023-24 season

In Tuesday’s episode, Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to the latest news and rumors surrounding the team. With third-year guard Jalen Green off to a strong start with the U.S. Select Team, what does that mean for...

07.23.2023

Summer League recap and Jalen Green’s big offseason

Sunday’s episode breaks down all the key Rockets takeaways from a 5-1 stint at the NBA’s 2023 summer league, including impressive showings by Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Ben Sullivan. The episode closes out with a look at a...

07.09.2023

Amen Thompson debuts as summer Rockets make big impression

Rookie point guard Amen Thompson was extremely impressive in his Houston debut, and second-year Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. scored 29 second-half points and drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer for a feel-good victory to open 2023 summer league play.That’s the good...

07.02.2023

Reaction to Houston’s chaotic start in 2023 free agency

In a whirlwind start to the NBA’s 2023 free agency window, the Houston Rockets landed two of their three preferred targets in Toronto guard Fred VanVleet and Memphis wing Dillon Brooks. They missed out, however, on Milwaukee big man Brook...

06.29.2023

Final thoughts entering 2023 Rockets free agency

In their final preview episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer one last look at Houston’s goals entering 2023 NBA free agency, which starts at 5:00 p.m. Central on Friday. The Rockets should have a league-leading figure of approximately $60...

06.24.2023

Draft reaction as Rockets land Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

In a weekend episode, Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their initial reactions to Houston landing Amen Thompson (No. 4 pick, Overtime Elite) and Cam Whitmore (No. 20, Villanova) in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.After...

06.16.2023

Amen Thompson breakdown and Houston’s other draft options

Cooper Klein, NBA draft analyst for Upside Swings and The Chop Shop, joins Paulo and Ben for a detailed scouting discussion of Houston’s options at No. 4 and No. 20 overall in the 2023 first round. Topics include the merits...

06.15.2023

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on Rockets’ 2023 offseason targets

Michael A. Scotto, national NBA writer for HoopsHype, joined our podcast to discuss the latest offseason rumors surrounding the Houston Rockets and their 2023 draft and free agency plans.Is general manager Rafael Stone increasingly set on selecting Amen Thompson at...

06.14.2023

2023 Houston Rockets free agency, trade season preview

With the NBA Finals over and the Denver Nuggets crowned as champions, the league’s rumor mill regarding player transactions should escalate quickly as the 2023 offseason begins. That’s especially the case in Houston, where the Rockets have more than $60...

06.05.2023

Key takeaways as Rockets, Rafael Stone answer media questions

Monday’s episode of The Lager Line, sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, explores the key takeaways from recent interviews involving general manager Rafael Stone, head coach Ime Udoka, and other members of the Houston Rockets.During the show, hosts...

05.26.2023

Evaluating the Thompson twins and Houston’s 2023 draft targets

Rockets fan and NBA draft analyst Nathan Fogg joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves on Friday’s The Lager Line to scout Houston’s potential first-round options at No. 4 and No. 20 overall.With a particular emphasis on the twin brothers of...

05.24.2023

USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky on Rockets’ draft, free agency plans

Bryan Kalbrosky, national NBA staff writer at USA TODAY’s For The Win, joins Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves on a new podcast to break down the rapidly evolving 2023 offseason for the Rockets.The discussion spotlights Houston’s options at the No....

05.17.2023

Early reaction to Rockets’ 2023 draft lottery night

Tuesday’s episode, sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, features live, real-time reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to the 2023 NBA draft lottery.With Houston landing the No. 4 overall pick and its prayers for Victor (Wembanyama) going...

05.05.2023

David Weiner on what NBA’s new CBA means for the Rockets

With the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on the way, what does that mean for the Houston Rockets, who have approximately $60 million in salary cap space this offseason?David Weiner, salary cap expert and renowned Rockets blogger, offers his...

05.02.2023

Rockets general counsel Clay Allen on NBA’s draft lottery day

Clay Allen, general counsel of the Houston Rockets, chats with Ben DuBose regarding his role with the organization and the upcoming NBA draft lottery.As part of Allen’s role, he is one of a select few people who is physically in...

04.25.2023

Early reaction to Houston’s hire of Ime Udoka as coach

In Monday’s breaking-news episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their immediate reactions to Houston’s decision to hire Ime Udoka as head coach of the Rockets.Topics include the implications for Houston’s young roster and the franchise’s appeal entering 2023 free...

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