Podcast: State of the Houston Rockets at the All-Star break

Thursday’s podcast dives into recent trends with Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and the rest of the Rockets at the All-Star break.

Thursday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose breaks down the state of the team entering the extended NBA All-Star break.

The Rockets (34-20) finished up the first part of their 2019-20 season with six wins in their last nine games, including several over playoff opponents like the Jazz, Mavericks, Lakers, and Celtics. Houston is currently in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings, though they’re only three games back in the loss column of the No. 2 seed.

Russell Westbrook is scoring even more efficiently since the permanent switch to a smaller lineup, while James Harden has snapped out of his January funk with three 40+ point games over six February outings.

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Meanwhile, the new frontcourt rotation of Robert CovingtonP.J. Tucker, and Danuel House Jr. has shown flashes of elite play on defense — especially versus good teams like the Celtics, Jazz, and Lakers.

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Thursday’s podcast explores those topics and much more, including potential buyout and overseas targets for Houston’s two open roster spots; the return of Eric Gordon after the All-Star break; decisions to be made by Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni; and much more. Tune in!

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