As Rockets stack wins, is Houston becoming a viable contender?

After 10 wins in 12 games, the Rockets (15-6, 3-0) entered Tuesday just a half-game back of Oklahoma City for first place in the Western Conference. In an unbeaten Thanksgiving week, Houston secured a statement win at Minnesota — clinching its NBA Cup group — before posting an even more impressive victory at home versus the Thunder.

With that in mind, our latest podcast episode of The Lager Line explores all the associated angles and ripple effects. Discussion topics include the implications of improved play by Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr.; opportunities for further team improvement, both internally and through external trades; and lessons to be learned when it comes to team building in the modern NBA.