Podcast: Is Amen Thompson Launching the Rockets into Contention?

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? Thursday’s episode of The Lager Line, hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves and sponsored by Karbach Brewing, explores reasons for both optimism and caution. Other topics include a preview of next week’s in-season trade deadline (Feb. 6) and what moves might make sense for general manager Rafael Stone, for both short- and longer-term considerations.