Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On ...

The Locked On Rockets Podcast, hosted by Houston native and credentialed media member Jackson Gatlin, is the BEST and ONLY daily (Mon-Fri) Houston Rockets basketball podcast. Every day Jackson shares the latest news, speculation and analysis on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, the Draft, Free Agency and the rest of the NBA. Previous guests include former Rockets Matt Bullard and Vernon Maxwell, legendary broadcaster Bill Worrell, current players Armoni Brooks, Jae'Sean Tate and more.


Part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Sports
Basketball
276
Jabari Smith Jr. & Jalen Green Respond To Hawks...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 128-122 BEST win of the season against the Atlanta Hawks, focusing on the third quarter altercation between Jabari Smith Jr. and Dejounte Murray, Jalen Green having Jabari's back and how the Rockets responded from that moment onward, Jalen's superstar night and clowning Trae Young on IG, Jabari draining FIVE threes and responding to the Hawks disrespect, KJ Martin with a career-high 15 rebounds, GARRY BIRD FLIES AGAIN, Bruno Fernando makes his return to the lineup, Usman Garuba's bench play and more.
38 min
277
Evaluating Houston Rockets Head Coach Stephen S...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss how Rockets fans' expectations of the team and Stephen Silas have shifted from where they were coming into the season, concerns over player accountability and being able to make "hard decisions", would moving on from Silas mid-season be the right or wrong move, what needs to happen over the next month or so to generate renewed faith and more.
39 min
278
Kevin Porter Jr. Leads Rockets With 30, Jabari ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets competitive loss against the Golden State Warriors, going down big early, having a HUGE second quarter, and then keeping things neck-and-neck until Steph Curry hit some insane shots down the stretch to put the game away. Kevin Porter Jr. with arguably his best game of the season, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason both with career nights and sparked the Rockets comeback in the second quarter, including Bari looking MUCH more comfortable offensively, Jalen Green struggling against the Warriors defensive length, but still getting to the free throw line, Alperen Sengun vs. Usman Garuba defensively and more.
31 min
279
Houston Rockets Offensive Identity, Opening Thi...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the Houston Rockets drive-and-kick offensive philosophy, what it looks like when it's at it's best, how the young players struggle at time to recognize how to attack defenses, the players with the best offensive recognition on the roster, and lastly breaking down "split cut" actions that can be used to keep Jabari Smith Jr. more involved in the offense.
35 min
280
Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba & Houston Rockets ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 101-92 BLOCK PARTY win against the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks playing without Luka Doncic. Rockets with an insane 19(!) blocks, tying second-most in franchise history, including a career-high 5 blocks from Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba's defensive impact and spark off the bench, Kevin Porter Jr. closing the game out and Jabari Smith Jr. dialing in defensively in the fourth, Jalen Green's playmaking continues to impress and more.
32 min
281
How Much Does NOT Having Jae'Sean Tate Hurt The...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses Jae'Sean Tate's role for this Houston Rockets team and comments by head coach Stephen Silas and guard Kevin Porter Jr. about how difficult it is playing without him, because of both his on-court abilities and also his voice as a leader, followed by three things to watch for against the Dallas Mavericks, including a possible revenge game for former Rockets Christian Wood, and a possible huge night for Alperen Sengun.
30 min
282
Jalen Green Shows Playmaking Growth In Houston ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 122-106 loss against the LA Clippers, where Jalen Green showcased his playmaking skills with a career-high-tying 7 assists along, Alperen Sengun's chemistry with JG offensively looking good, Kevin Porter Jr. with a ROUGH shooting night, Rockets getting away from moving the basketball, KJ Martin taking a vocal role in the locker room, and Eric Gordon voicing his frustrations to media and on Twitter.
39 min
283
Houston Rockets Competitiveness When Jalen Gree...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss the concerning trend of Jalen Green not getting touches at the end of close games, encouragement based on the competitive nature of the Houston Rockets when Jalen play's well, the impact of GOON SQUAD members Tari Eason and Usman Garuba, how lineups will be affected once Jae'Sean Tate and Bruno Fernando return and more.
36 min
284
Jalen Green Drops 33 Points, Jabari Smith Jr. 1...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) talks discusses the Houston Rockets 119-106 loss against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, where turnovers and bad fourth quarter offense prevented the Rockets from coming away with the win. Jalen Green's scorching scoring performance, most of which coming when playing without Kevin Porter Jr., KPJ's solid night but turnovers and inability to get back to feeding Jalen in the fourth, the goon squad of KJ Martin, Tari Eason and Usman Garuba helping the Rockets get back into the game during the third quarter run, Jabari Smith Jr. STRONG night on the boards (15) and two blocks on Jonas Valanciunas, Alperen Sengun's foul troubles limiting his play and more.
29 min
285
Houston Rockets Playmaking, Jabari Smith Jr. Tr...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 116-109 competitive loss on the road against the Toronto Raptors with encouraging signs across the board. Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green's fantastic playmaking performances, Alperen Sengun's best defensive performance of the season, Jabari Smith Jr. wtih 15/10 trending in the right direction, Tari Eason SENSATIONAL off the bench despite A LOT of missed shots around the rim, KJ Martin and Usman Garuba block party and more.
29 min
286
KJ Martin's Growth & Early Season Impact For Ho...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss KJ Martin's impact for the Houston Rockets this season after so much uncertainty surrounding his future with the team this offseason, what KJ provides when he's on the floor, the possibility of negotiating a contract extension and an Xs and Os breakdown of one of the Rockets regularly run offensive sets.
34 min
287
Jalen Green Scores 34, KJ Martin Adds 21 To Lea...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets picking up their second win of the season against the Orlando Magic 134-127 behind a HUGE 34-point night from Jalen Green. Jalen's big-time scoring night, Rockets ball movement and HOT shooting, different Rockets stepping up throughout the evening, Kevin Porter Jr. leading the response to the Magic run in the fourth, Alperen Sengun another solid 20/10 night, KJ Martin production off the bench, key moments from Tari Eason, and why Jabari Smith Jr. is struggling so poorly.
35 min
288
Alperen Sengun & Houston Rockets Improved Ball ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Houston showcased some nice ball movement for 3/4 quarters, but collapsed hard enough in the second frame to keep them out of the rest of the game. Alperen Sengun continues to look strong when given minutes, inefficient nights from Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, Rockets second quarter collapse, how the Wolves adjusted their defense throughout the game, KJ Martin continues to be a consistent contributor, Usman Garuba making Karl Anthony-Towns work hard, Tari Eason doing a little bit of everything and more.
29 min
289
Houston Rockets Trusting Alperen Sengun More Of...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) talks is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss how the Houston Rockets are beginning to trust Alperen Sengun more offensively allowing him to get post touches, his growing role as a screener for Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, issues facing the Rockets defensively when Al-P is on the floor and more.
34 min
290
Alperen Sengun HUGE Night, Jalen Green Breaks S...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets second straight game against the LA Clippers, this time in Houston, with a final score of 109-101, but some positive silver linings throughout the game. Alperen Sengun's huge night as a focal point of the Rockets offense, Jalen Green breaking out of his shooting slump, Kevin Porter Jr. with a strong first half, tough second half, Usman Garuba and Tari Eason providing much-needed spark and energy off the Rockets bench, possibly Jabari Smith Jr.'s worst game so far, Stephen Silas' pregame comments about the importance of Eric Gordon and more.
36 min
291
Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. & Houston Rockets...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas' decision-making and if he's coaching to WIN or coaching for development, how the Rockets offense and Jalen Green could benefit from going through Alperen Sengun and why it makes sense now to keep Al-P in the starting lineup, best Rockets rotation player so far this season, and the possible impact on the Brooklyn picks after the Nets have decided to fire head coach Steve Nash.
37 min
292
Houston Rockets Lose In Final Seconds To LA Cli...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets nail-biter against the LA Clippers, coming up just short 95-93 in the final moments of the game after some questionable decisions in the final 87 seconds. Rockets lineup change up 5 with 90 seconds to go, final possessions being drawn up for Eric Gordon, KJ Martin's big night, Alperen Sengun generating good offense, Jalen Green hopefully starting to get out of his shooting slump, solid overall night for Kevin Porter Jr., bench unit carrying the game with hustle and more.
32 min
293
Kevin Porter Jr. Shines, Jalen Green Struggles ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets hard fought game and fourth quarter collapse against the Phoenix Suns, spearheaded by a fantastic night from Kevin Porter Jr., despite Jalen Green's continued shooting struggles and Jabari Smith Jr.'s quiet night. KPJ making solid reads and LIVING at the free throw line (career-high 14 attempts), Jalen continues to shoot poorly from the floor, down to 26% over these last three games, Jabari still adjusting to the speed of the NBA, UZ ALL MIGHTY Usman Garuba's impact off the bench, Rockets defensive miscues against Suns pick-and-roll, fourth quarter meltdown and more.
33 min
294
Houston Rockets Offensive Issues, Why Jalen Gre...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) to discuss the issues with the Houston Rockets offense over the last couple of games against the Utah Jazz, most notably the drastic increase in isolation plays, players falling into bad habits, spacing issues and more, why some of these problems have started popping up over the last couple games, ways the coaching staff can adjust moving forward to get things back on track, and a deep breakdown of one possession that encapsulates many of the issues this young Rockets team is dealing with.
39 min
295
Kevin Porter Jr. Fourth Quarter Comeback Not En...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets ugly game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, with one of the few silver linings being Kevin Porter Jr.'s play in the fourth, spearheading the Rockets comeback. KPJ struggling through three quarters but finding his rhythm in the fourth and clawing the Rockets back into the game, Jalen Green's individual defense continues to impress despite offensive struggles, Rockets offense devolving into ISO after ISO with little-to-no off-ball actions or wrinkles to generate easy shots, too many turnovers leading to fast break opportunities for the Jazz and more.
31 min
296
Evaluating Kevin Porter Jr.'s Play Through Four...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohost Rockets Wire Editor Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) to discuss Kevin Porter Jr.'s performance through the first handful of games this season, how to evaluate his play as the point guard for this Houston Rockets team, whether some of the criticisms of his game are fair or not and more + the two share extended thoughts on the bench moment between Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. late against the Utah Jazz as well as the adjustments and things they hope to see out of Rockets-Jazz part two in Salt Lake City.
35 min
297
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Jabari Smith Jr...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets picking up their first win of the season against the red-hot Utah Jazz behind 20+ nights from each of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr. and key buckets late from Eric Gordon. Jabari starting at the five with no Bruno Fernando and no Alperen Sengun, KPJ with a big night but questionable shot diet, Jalen Green goes for an efficient 25 points through three quarters, then only gets one shot in the fourth, a small dust-up on the Rockets with 30 seconds left to play between Jalen and Jabari that was blown way out of proportion on social media and more.
33 min
298
Usman Garuba Starts, Jalen Green & KPJ Struggle...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets 125-105 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, very much looking like they were playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Why did the Rockets decide to start Usman Garuba over Alperen Sengun in the absence of Bruno Fernando, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. struggling against the Bucks defense, Giannis doing Giannis things, Garuba with an impressive night all things considered, Jabari Smith Jr. still settling in and more.
34 min
299
Jalen Green Scores 33, Alperen Sengun Adds 23, ...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses the Houston Rockets home opener of the season, an electric, high-octane battle against the Memphis Grizzlies where Jalen Green and Ja Morant went head-to-head and both had MONSTER games. Jalen's scoring burst to start the game, Morant responding after his first stint on the bench, how the Rockets struggled to contain Morant in the pick and roll, Alperen Sengun's impressive night off the bench, Jabari Smith Jr. not being involved enough offensively, the Rockets matching the intensity and physicality of the Grizzlies throughout the game and more.
30 min
300
Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Houston Rockets...
Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) discusses takeaways from the Houston Rockets season opener loss against the Atlanta Hawks 117-107, a hard-fought game that was within striking distance until the final few minutes. The battle of the backcourts between Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, TURNOVERS (both forced and unforced), Alperen Sengun coming off the bench with Bruno Fernando getting the starting nod, trying to defend the Hawks PnR offense, rotations used and more.
37 min