The Lager Line

Mar 10 2025 133 ep. 62 mins 26
The Lager Line Podcast artwork

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.

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Amen Thompson injury reaction and how Rockets can adjust

Mar 10 2025 32 mins  
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

Instant reaction as Rockets decide their full-strength lineup

Feb 28 2025 37 mins  
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

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

Feb 25 2025 65 mins  
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. O

Rockets limp toward All-Star break with injuries, quiet trade deadline

Feb 11 2025 66 mins  
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 w

Is Amen Thompson launching the Rockets into contention?

Jan 30 2025 76 mins  
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? Thursda

State of the Rockets: What we learned in 2024-25 season’s first half

Jan 22 2025 61 mins  
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 off

Has Amen Thompson locked up a long-term starting spot?

Jan 16 2025 13 mins  
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

Rockets stack wins as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson take flight

Jan 14 2025 41 mins  
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.

Ripple effects of Jabari Smith Jr. breaking left hand

Jan 05 2025 28 mins  
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.

New Year’s resolutions as Rockets enter 2025

Jan 03 2025 80 mins  
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 tra