The Lager Line

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The Lager Line

Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2024-25 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the growth of Houston’s top prospects, such as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

  1. Rest vs. rust: Playoff preferences for No. 2 Rockets

    12H AGO

    Rest vs. rust: Playoff preferences for No. 2 Rockets

    With Houston (52-28) now locked into the No. 2 seed in the 2025 Western Conference playoffs, Thursday’s show explores the various considerations at play for Ime Udoka's squad. Discussion topics include the rest vs. rust debate as the regular season winds down; which potential playoff opponents are best for the Rockets’ chances; and why the 2024-25 season should already be considered a success, even before the playoff run begins.

    43 min
  2. In 50th win, Rockets clinch first playoff berth, division title since 2020

    APR 3

    In 50th win, Rockets clinch first playoff berth, division title since 2020

    With 13 wins in their last 15 games, the Rockets (50-27) have officially clinched their first division title and NBA playoff berth in five years! Thursday's episode reflects on reasons to celebrate in Houston, along with what to watch for as the 2024-25 Rockets try to secure the West's No. 2 seed and position themselves for an extended playoff run in April and May. The latter likely requires a near-peak version of Fred VanVleet, whose health is suddenly in question again. Let's discuss!

    32 min
  3. Ten games left: Keys for Rockets in final playoff push

    MAR 25

    Ten games left: Keys for Rockets in final playoff push

    With 10 regular-season games left, the Rockets (46-26) remain at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, though their margin has narrowed after Sunday’s home loss to No. 3 Denver (45-28).  Tuesday’s show (sponsored by Karbach Brewing) breaks down what to watch for down the home stretch of the 2024-25 season. Topics include strategies for Houston to get back to its elite defensive play from earlier in the season; questions surrounding the usage of Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason; and a scheduling breakdown of where the Rockets stand relative to other West contenders.t.

    1h 15m

  4. MAR 19

    Seven straight! Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. shine as streak continues

    Despite trailing by 25 points in the second half, the winning streak is somehow at seven games and counting for the Rockets (44-25, No. 2 in West) after Monday’s bizarre victory over Philadelphia. In Wednesday’s show, our Ben DuBose reacts to all the latest developments, including an increasingly important home-court advantage; clear signs of progress for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.; and why Alperen Sengun’s second-half benching versus the Sixers shouldn't be a major concern.

    40 min
  5. In ‘double big’ era, jumbo lineups fuel Rockets

    MAR 12

    In ‘double big’ era, jumbo lineups fuel Rockets

    With Amen Thompson sidelined by injury, the Rockets (40-25) have begun experimenting with bigger lineups, and it seems to be working — as evidenced by Houston’s three-game winning streak. With that in mind, Wednesday’s show explores the short- and long-term feasibility of the Alperen Sengun-Steven Adams “double big” lineup, along with insight on Jabari Smith Jr.’s recent surge and his viability as a 6-foot-11 small forward. The episode concludes with a look at the Western Conference playoff race and whether the No. 5 Rockets can catch one of the three teams just ahead of them (Nuggets, Lakers, and Grizzlies) in the standings.

    58 min
  6. Amen Thompson injury reaction and how Rockets can adjust

    MAR 10

    Amen Thompson injury reaction and how Rockets can adjust

    The Rockets (39-25, No. 5 in West) enter Monday coming off back-to-back wins but needing to navigate a new short-term reality without second-year star Amen Thompson, who is out for at least 10-to-14 days with a left ankle sprain. With that in mind, our reaction show explores why the injury may have come at a fortunate time of Houston's schedule; what lineups Ime Udoka can rely on in Thompson’s absence; and why Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun could be the players with the most responsibility to step up.

    32 min
  7. Instant reaction as Rockets decide their full-strength lineup

    FEB 28

    Instant reaction as Rockets decide their full-strength lineup

    With Fred VanVleet back healthy, Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced Friday that Houston (37-22) plans to start start Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks at forward for the foreseeable future (ahead of Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason). Our Ben DuBose explains the reasons behind those choices, including the importance of building chemistry and continuity among the starting five as the 2025 NBA playoffs approach.

    37 min
  8. As Rockets get healthy, is a streak coming in March?

    FEB 25

    As Rockets get healthy, is a streak coming in March?

    After losing six straight games earlier this month, the Rockets (35-22, No. 4 in the West) entered this week with three wins in their last five games. Tuesday’s podcast explores areas of encouragement, starting with a healthier roster out of the All-Star break, along with a few concerning trends — such as defensive inconsistency and issues on the second game of back-to-backs.  Other topics on this week’s show, again sponsored by Houston’s Karbach Brewing and hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, include analysis of potential starting lineup changes for head coach Ime Udoka and the underwhelming rookie season of Reed Sheppard.

    1h 6m
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    4.5
    out of 5
    23 Ratings

    About

    Ben DuBose, longtime Rockets media member, writer, and podcast host, discusses the 2024-25 Rockets season with Paulo Alves and special guests. Basketball topics include the growth of Houston’s top prospects, such as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson; potential transactions in 2025 and beyond; weekly game recaps; and much more.

    Information

    • Creator
      SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)
    • Years Active
      2022 - 2025
    • Episodes
      138
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)
    • Show Website
      The Lager Line

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