Episodios

  • As playoffs loom, can the Rockets change the narrative?

    As playoffs loom, can the Rockets change the narrative?
    Mar 31 2026
    Led by a resurgent showing from Alperen Sengun, Houston (45-29) enters the final day of March on a winning streak. So, in their last eight games before the NBA’s 2026 playoffs, can the Rockets finally heat up and put themselves in position to make a run?

    In Tuesday’s episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the highs and lows of the team’s recent play. Topics include Sengun’s upward trajectory; if lineup and rotation changes for players such as Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate are likely to still be in effect by the playoffs; and whether the Lakers, Nuggets, or Timberwolves should be Houston’s preferred first-round opponent.
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • Rockets 123, Heat 122: Game of the season?

    Rockets 123, Heat 122: Game of the season?
    Mar 22 2026
    In perhaps the most memorable game yet of Houston’s 2025-26 season, Amen Thompson hit a game-winning tip shot at the buzzer as the Rockets rallied past Miami. At 43-27, Houston remains at No. 4 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings, which would put the Rockets in line to hold home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2026 playoffs.

    Featuring Ben DuBose and Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show recaps all the key storylines. Topics include brilliant games from Thompson and Reed Sheppard versus a quality opponent; the odds of Sheppard maintaining his new starting role into the playoffs; and the history made by Kevin Durant, who passed Michael Jordan for No. 5 in all-time NBA points.

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiy6ETQkdsY
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Failure to launch: Losses to Spurs, Warriors show ominous signs

    Failure to launch: Losses to Spurs, Warriors show ominous signs
    Mar 10 2026
    After two ugly losses in three games, the Rockets (39-24) have fallen back to No. 4 in the Western Conference and are close to falling out of the top four altogether — which would mean starting the 2026 playoffs on the road.

    So, what should Houston fans take away after a pair of concerning defeats to San Antonio and Golden State? Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves break down the key takeaways, including signs of regression from Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason; potential team-building implications for the 2026 offseason; and why Wednesday’s opponent (the Denver Nuggets) could be a friendlier matchup for the Rockets, relative to the Spurs.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • Rockets improve to 38-22, Reed Sheppard makes case to start

    Rockets improve to 38-22, Reed Sheppard makes case to start
    Mar 3 2026
    With another strong showing in Monday’s victory at Washington, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is clearly making a push to start and finish more games. Houston (38-22) is now 5-2 since the All-Star break while continuing to hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.

    Featuring Ben DuBose, ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, our Rockets-Wizards postgame show reacts to all the key storylines. Topics include injury management for the likes of Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.; what more starts for Sheppard could look like; and why a relatively quiet buyout market might point to a contract conversion for JD Davison or Isaiah Crawford.

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXc48A8PXpI
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • Lions or lambs? Rockets enter March at No. 3 in West, but questions linger

    Lions or lambs? Rockets enter March at No. 3 in West, but questions linger
    Mar 1 2026
    Even after losing Saturday’s game at Miami, the Rockets (37-22) remain at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings. When factoring in widespread injuries throughout Houston’s roster, things could certainly be a lot worse.

    Yet, even with Kevin Durant in All-NBA form, there are still several questions to answer as the Rockets embark upon the final weeks of the regular season and what they hope is an extended run in the 2026 playoffs. Those questions include:
    • With Steven Adams unavailable and Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle sprain) sidelined for at least a few days, is Alperen Sengun becoming a liability at center?
    • Should Reed Sheppard start in the backcourt?
    • Is Ime Udoka maximizing Houston’s offense?
    • Could a potential buyout signing make a difference?
    Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s postgame show attempts to answer those questions while also offering key takeaways from that loss to the Heat. Tune in!

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvMphBfmsgA
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Kevin Durant burns Hornets as Rockets (34-20) rise to No. 3 in West

    Kevin Durant burns Hornets as Rockets (34-20) rise to No. 3 in West
    Feb 20 2026
    Kevin Durant, burner or not, was scorching (35 points, 70% FG) in Houston’s 105-101 victory at Charlotte. With the win, the Rockets (34-20) moved up to the No. 3 spot in the tightly packed Western Conference standings.

    Featuring Ben DuBose, Dave Hardisty, and Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Thursday night’s “ClutchFans Live” postgame show reacts to all the key takeaways.

    Discussion topics include Durant setting the right tone; promising signs from two young players in Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard; and strong defensive performances off the bench from Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae’Sean Tate.
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Rockets, Kevin Durant burn through All-Star break

    Rockets, Kevin Durant burn through All-Star break
    Feb 18 2026
    The Rockets entered the NBA’s 2026 All-Star break at 33-20 and No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and they exit with something of a scandal on their hands.

    Featuring Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, Wednesday’s episode breaks down the alleged Kevin Durant “burner” controversy, along with reasons for on-court optimism heading into the final 29 games of the regular season.

    The show also looks ahead to Houston’s probable run in the 2026 playoffs, and specifically what needs to happen in order for this season to be viewed as a success.
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • Trade deadline reaction, Rockets-Thunder takeaways

    Trade deadline reaction, Rockets-Thunder takeaways
    Feb 8 2026
    Houston didn’t make a move at Thursday’s in-season trade deadline, but the Rockets did get a much-needed victory in Saturday’s 112-106 win at Oklahoma City.

    For the Rockets, it's their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league’s best record.

    Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and Dave Hardisty, Saturday night’s postgame show reacts to both the trade deadline and that nationally televised Rockets-Thunder showdown.

    Discussion points include offensive growth from Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; an apparent step forward for Alperen Sengun on defense; what general manager Rafael Stone considered at the deadline; and potential buyout options and trade targets over the coming weeks and months.

    This episode can also be viewed in video form here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZfQqFRZMy0
    Más Menos
    49 m