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Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2025-26 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the performance of star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.
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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.
As the second half of their regular season begins, the Rockets are 15-3 at home and 12-13 on the road. But their latest road win, which came Friday at Detroit on night two of a back-to-back, was perhaps their most impressive of the entire 2025-26 campaign.The Rockets (27-16) and Pistons (32-11) remain at No. 4 and No. 1, respectively, in the Western and Eastern Conference standings.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Friday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines from that statement victory. Topics include the physical and mental dominance of Kevin Durant; a somewhat underwhelming night on defense from Alperen Sengun; and promising signs from the likes of Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKBQOSCDeJk
After a prolonged stretch of mediocrity, the Rockets (26-15) completed their recent homestand at 4-1, punctuated by a statement win over a key Western Conference rival.By defeating San Antonio (30-14), Houston moved up to the No. 4 spot in the West standings, and the Rockets only trail the second-seeded Spurs by a game in the loss column.So, have the Rockets finally turned a corner, and are they a legitimate contender? In Thursday’s show, our Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves debate the pros and cons.Topics include a recent regression by Alperen Sengun on defense; encouraging signs of growth from Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; the impact of losing Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain) for an extended period; and whether the team’s striking home-versus-road splits (15-3 in Houston, 11-12 away) could make capturing home-court advantage for the playoffs even more important.
Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty (ClutchFans), and Adam Clanton (SportsTalk 790), Wednesday’s Rockets-Spurs game recap breaks down Houston’s 111-106 victory over its in-state divisional rival.With the win, Houston (26-15, No. 4 in Western Conference) is only a game back in the loss column of second-seeded San Antonio (30-14).Discussion topics include efficient and clutch showings from Reed Sheppard (21 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (17 points); what Ime Udoka is likely to do in the absence of Steven Adams (severe ankle sprain); and how the Rockets kept Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (5-of-21 shooting) in check.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iXsYBEj0k
Jabari Smith Jr. finished with a season-high 32 points and seven 3-point makes on Sunday, leading Houston (25-15) to a nine-point victory over New Orleans (10-35). However, veteran center Steven Adams was lost to an ankle injury, which appeared serious at the time.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” show offers postgame reaction from Toyota Center, where the Rockets are now 14-3 this season.Discussion topics include why Smith is becoming even more important in the aftermath of Adams’ injury; the implications of Amen Thompson’s recent surge; and storylines to watch entering Tuesday’s important game versus San Antonio (29-13).
In a nationally televised showdown against the defending NBA champions, Oklahoma City’s defense suffocated the Rockets in a 111-91 victory. Houston fell to 23-15 and remains at No. 6 in the Western Conference, while the Thunder hold the league’s best record at 35-7.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” show offers postgame reaction to Thursday’s letdown at Toyota Center. Topics include a sustained shooting slump across the roster; subpar trend lines for Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; and whether a lack of offensive firepower might force general manager Rafael Stone to consider trades at the February 5 in-season deadline.
After three dreadful shooting games — all road losses for the Rockets — from Jabari Smith Jr., Houston’s fourth-year forward finally broke out in Tuesday’s 119-113 win over the Chicago Bulls. The Rockets (23-14) are now 12-2 in home games this season, with 12 wins in their last 13 games at Toyota Center.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways from Houston’s latest victory, including big nights from the high-profile trio of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson (who all scored more than 20 points). With the win, the Rockets climbed to within a game in the loss column of the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed.Discussion topics include the implications of Smith (18 points, 7 rebounds) returning to form; the promotion of JD Davison to rotation minutes amid Reed Sheppard’s recent slump; more inconsistency on the defensive end; and crucial games upcoming versus the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-7) and Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14).This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cfb9qyA12Y
After a brilliant 13-4 start to the 2025-26 season, the Rockets (22-12) went just 9-8 in their second 17-game sample. With Houston now at No. 6 in the Western Conference standings, is it time for fans to recalibrate their expectations?In Friday’s full show, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explore that question and numerous other January 2026 storylines surrounding the Rockets. Discussion topics include the role of Alperen Sengun’s absence (right ankle sprain) in Houston’s suddenly mediocre offense; how much criticism is warranted for Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr.; and whether the recent inconsistency could make a trade more likely by the in-season deadline of February 5.
Thanks to Kevin Durant’s last-second dagger versus Phoenix, the Rockets (22-11) have now five of six games and are 11-1 in their last 12 home games at Toyota Center.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Monday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways from Houston’s third consecutive victory over the Suns (21-15).Discussion topics include the healthy return of Steven Adams (11 rebounds); frustrating lapses pertaining to defense and turnovers; and how Durant (26 points, 10 rebounds) helped the Rockets overcome those when it mattered most.Monday’s show also explores the implications of a week-plus absence (right ankle sprain) for Alperen Sengun — and most notably, which players need to step up in his absence.
With a New Year’s Day blowout in Brooklyn, the Rockets (21-10) have now won four straight games. Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show— featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardistry, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com — breaks down all the key takeaways after a 24-point victory over the Nets.Topics include the healthy return of Alperen Sengun; another big game from Kevin Durant; and positive signs from the “terror twins” duo of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.
The Rockets are 6-6 in December and recently wrapped up an underwhelming 2-4 road trip. Yet, a home victory tonight versus Indiana would give Houston (19-10, No. 4 in the Western Conference standings) a three-game winning streak to end the 2025 portion of its schedule. Presented by ClutchFans and hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Monday’s full show breaks down all of the latest developments surrounding the team. Topics include Kevin Durant’s efficient scoring binge; the implications of Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith returning healthy; and revised expectations for what has been a very inconsistent defense in recent weeks.
By routing Cleveland, the Rockets (19-10) are back up to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and their once leaky defense has held two straight opponents to 100 points or less.Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key takeaways after two dominant wins versus the Lakers and Cavaliers. Topics include elite scoring efficiency from Kevin Durant; what the return of Dorian Finney-Smith means for Houston’s defense; and the short-term outlook for Alperen Sengun, who sat out with calf tightness.This episode can also be viewed in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvXAiPAQwYk
The Rockets (18-10) went 2-4 on their season-long road trip in December, including losses to multiple teams with records near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Yet, they ended it with a flourish thanks to a Christmas night beatdown of the Lakers (19-10).With Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty as hosts, Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines. Topics include Dorian Finney-Smith’s return and Tari Eason’s promotion to the starting lineup; a breakout performance by Amen Thompson; and, from the perspective of team results, what the optimal usage model for Alperen Sengun should be.
With a much-improved defensive effort and elite shooting and playmaking from Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston (17-8) got its revenge on the Nuggets (20-7) in Saturday’s emphatic win at Denver.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the key storylines and takeaways. Discussion topics include the impact of Durant’s leadership in recent days; Smith’s evolution into a high-level role player for the Rockets; and whether Sheppard has already done enough to secure a consistent spot in Ime Udoka’s closing lineups.This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0McY-0y5yyI
After a strong start to the 2025-26 season, Houston’s defensive rating is now in the bottom half of the NBA for December. Not coincidentally, the Rockets (16-8) currently have a losing record (3-4) for the month.Hosted by Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, our latest “ClutchFans Live” postgame show breaks down all the frustrations after the Rockets blew a 25-point lead in the second half versus the lowly Pelicans (6-22). Topics include the clear defensive regression; struggles to involve Kevin Durant in crunch-time possessions; and an odd downturn in the usage of Reed Sheppard.
In this roundtable episode, Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty (Editor of ClutchFans) preview the NBA’s upcoming transaction window and its potential implications for the 16-6 Rockets.December 15 is when players who signed contracts in the preceding offseason become trade eligible, so the period from Monday until the February 5 in-season deadline is among the most active on the 2025-26 calendar. Discussion topics include roster needs and potential trade targets across the board, including the likelihood of bigger-name deals (such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and James Harden) and smaller acquisitions along the lines of Keon Ellis, Chris Paul, and Ayo Dosunmu.The show also explores Houston’s potential desirability on the buyout market and the team’s long-term timeline for title contention, and specifically why those factors might make this a relatively quiet trade window for the Rockets.
Thursday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to Houston’s 115-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (6-19). The Rockets are now 16-6 on the 2025-26 NBA season.Topics include a fourth-quarter takeover by Amen Thompson (12 points in the frame on perfect shooting); relatively inefficient nights from Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun; and the difficult six-game road trip ahead.This episode can be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QwnC27gxyE
At 15-6, the Rockets are now at approximately the quarter pole of their 2025-26 regular season. With that in mind, as Houston tries to chase down the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday’s podcast breaks down four key takeaways and questions surrounding the team after its first 21 games.With Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves as hosts; discussion topics on this episode include the steadying presence of Kevin Durant and an improving defense; the impact of an All-NBA leap from Alperen Sengun; inconsistent showings from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard; and the possibility of roster moves in the weeks ahead.
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