With widespread injuries up and down the roster, the Rockets aren't at their best in February 2025, as evidenced by six losses in their last seven games. They also went through a relatively quiet in-season trade deadline window, with general manager Rafael Stone only making a pair of moves to acquire future second-round NBA draft capital.

With that in mind, Tuesday's show explores why the time wasn't right for Houston (33-20) to make a big splash, along with insight on why better days could soon be ahead for the on-court product.

As Amen Thompson’s brilliant play continues, the Rockets (32-14) enter Thursday with four straight wins and an 11-3 record in January. That mark includes three flagship victories in the past week, and two on the road, over the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-9) and defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (33-15).

So, is Houston thinking title contention as soon as the 2025 playoffs? Thursday’s show explores reasons for optimism and caution, along with a preview of next week’s in-season trade deadline (Feb. 6) and what moves might make sense for both short- and longer-term considerations.

With the second half of the 2024-25 NBA season officially underway, this week’s episode reviews what we’ve learned about the Rockets (28-14), who remain in an impressive No. 2 standings spot in the Western Conference.

Topics include some regression in recent weeks from Alperen Sengun and Houston’s team defense; why the ascension of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson has largely offset that; and important lineup and rotation considerations moving forward involving players such as Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and more.

In Thursday’s interview segment with Ross Villarreal of SportsTalk 790, our Ben DuBose explains why he thinks Amen Thompson has likely locked up a long-term starting role with the Rockets (27-12). Other topics include encouraging signs from Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore during Houston’s current five-game winning streak, as well as why general manager Rafael Stone shouldn’t be under any pressure to make a move at the NBA’s Feb. 6 in-season trade deadline.

With both Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in starring roles, the Rockets (26-12) have won four straight games and are holding a strong No. 2 placement in the Western Conference standings. Tuesday’s episode explores how Houston is getting it done, including the sustainability of both Green and Thompson retaining their current lineup roles and performance levels.

Sunday’s mini-episode features Ben’s reaction to Jabari Smith Jr. breaking his left hand, including potential lineup and rotation implications for players such as Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, Tari Eason, and Jalen Green.

Happy New Year! With 2025 now here, Friday’s show looks ahead to the games, weeks, and months ahead for Ime Udoka and a much-improved Houston team.

Topics include the importance of carving out a rotation role for Cam Whitmore; the impact of newfound uncertainty surrounding the health of Tari Eason’s left leg; and if or when the Rockets (22-11) will be ready to make a marquee trade this year.

Thanks to another lethargic showing on offense, the Rockets (17-9) lost in the semifinals of the NBA Cup to the Thunder. But on the back of elite defense, they did make it to Las Vegas after finally ending a prolonged losing streak to the Warriors in the quarterfinal.

With the schedule on a brief Cup-related pause, Wednesday’s show explores what we’ve learned about the 2024-25 Rockets with the regular season about a third complete. Discussion topics include why the Rockets’ reality is better than many current perceptions; whether it’s time to make any drastic changes to the offense and the role of struggling veteran Fred VanVleet; and how the upcoming schedule offers a big opportunity as the calendar heads toward 2025.

Tuesday’s episode features a preview of Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal versus Golden State and reaction to Houston’s 1-2 road trip against the Kings, Warriors, and Clippers.

Topics include matchup difficulties with the Warriors; potential reasons for the up-and-down play of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun; predictions for the NBA Cup knockout rounds; and why fans of the Rockets should still be quite pleased with a 16-8 start to the 2024-25 season and the team’s current placement at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings.

After 10 wins in 12 games, the Rockets (15-6, 3-0) entered Tuesday just a half-game back of Oklahoma City for first place in the Western Conference. In an unbeaten Thanksgiving week, Houston secured a statement win at Minnesota — clinching its NBA Cup group — before posting an even more impressive victory at home versus the Thunder.

With that in mind, our latest show explores all the associated angles and ripple effects. Discussion topics include the implications of improved play by Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr.; opportunities for further team improvement, both internally and through external trades; and lessons to be learned when it comes to team building in the modern NBA.