The Rockets continue to excel at home, where they are 8-1, but struggle on the road, where they remain the NBA’s only winless (0-8) team. One reason is Houston’s inconsistent offense, which ranks No. 20 in the league in net rating. Tuesday’s episode explores areas for potential improvement, including what optimal roles and usage should be for key prospects such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson.

Friday’s episode reviews the extreme peaks and valleys of Jalen Green this season and explores strategies that Rockets coach Ime Udoka could adopt in hopes of minimizing the low points. With Houston (7-6) ranking No. 18 in the NBA in offense, Green appears to be the key variable. Other topics include insight on how Udoka and the Rockets https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense?dir=A&sort=DEF_RATING and the implications of Amen Thompson’s looming return from injury in the games ahead.

Tuesday’s episode of https://linktr.ee/thelagerline, sponsored by Karbach Brewing, features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s six-game winning streak. Rockets topics include the roles of veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green in closing out games; Alperen Sengun’s evolution into a star big man; Ime Udoka’s impressive coaching decisions; and what to make of inconsistency by young prospects Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.

After an 0-3 start to the 2023-24 season, Houston enters this week at 2-3 and having won two straight games by an average margin of 14 points. Monday’s episode explores reasons behind the improvement, led by Ime Udoka’s new-look defense and positive signs from Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, and Jae’Sean Tate. The show also breaks down the uneven start by top prospects Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., including some issues that should be corrected with a larger sample size and others that could be longer-term concerns.

Jose Lopez, senior creative director for the Rockets, joins Friday’s show with exclusive details on the process leading to Houston’s https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/hometown-heroes-with-nod-to-houstons-hoops-history-rockets-unveil-2023-24-city-uniforms/ and corresponding court at Toyota Center for the 2023-24 NBA season. In an extended interview, Lopez explains the process of working with the league office and apparel manufacturer Nike on jersey development, as well as creative insight on what ultimately led to a matching court design and alternate logo(s). Other discussion topics include career highlights after two decades of creative work with the Rockets; his excitement for this season’s new-look team; what future uniforms may look like; and the importance of collaborating with Houston sports legends such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Jim Nantz.

Tuesday’s episode previews the start of the 2023-24 regular season for the Rockets (at Orlando and San Antonio, then a seven-game homestand) while also offering key themes and storylines to watch as the year progresses. Discussion topics include how Jabari Smith Jr. can build off an encouraging preseason; questions over Alperen Sengun’s fit with new coach Ime Udoka; perspective on Rafael Stone’s recent transactions to finalize the roster; and expectations for Houston’s final win-loss record.

Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, joins Saturday’s https://linktr.ee/thelagerline podcast to discuss what’s new for the 2023-24 team and beyond. Discussion topics include Houston’s offseason roster changes and why that sparked the “Liftoff” theme; what the newly formed Space City Home Network (SCHN) could mean to fans watching on television; and how the latest $30-million renovation phase will shape the future at Toyota Center.

Saturday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves regarding the first two games of the 2023-24 NBA preseason for the Rockets. Topics include Houston’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

Wednesday’s show features reaction from Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves to Houston’s https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/reaction-rockets-fill-key-bench-role-by-signing-veteran-reggie-bullock/. The episode also breaks down key takeaways and quotes from Monday’s media day and the ensuing start of 2023-24 Rockets training camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Fresh off Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center, Monday’s episode features analysis from Ben DuBose on key themes and takeaways. Topics include Houston’s new culture under Ime Udoka and a new-look coaching staff; how the additions of several veterans could play a key role in the 2023-24 season; and why Kevin Porter Jr. already appears to be something of an afterthought for the organization.