Get ready for an exciting season! Photo by David Berding/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets are reshaping their roster in real time — and we’re breaking it all down. In just 24 hours, the team has added Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, moves that mark a clear shift in direction under Ime Udoka. With Finney-Smith in, Dillon Brooks is out — but is this a swap that actually makes Houston better?
In this episode, we dive deep into what these signings mean for the Rockets’ identity and future. Is Finney-Smith a cleaner fit in Udoka’s system than Brooks ever was? Are these aggressive contracts smart bets or future burdens? And what does all this say about the organization’s faith in its young core — from Amen Thompson to Alperen Sengun?
We also look ahead. Is this offseason already a win, or are more moves — like a Kevin Durant extension or Cam Whitmore trade — still on the table? Let’s talk about where the Rockets stand now, and where they could be headed next.
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Exploring what’s beneath the surface of this Astros-Rockies showdown
Jul 2, 2025, 3:28 pm
The Houston Astros continue their road trip Wednesday night in Denver, looking to stay red-hot against a struggling Rockies team that can’t seem to buy a win at Coors Field.
Houston enters the second game of the series with a 51–34 record, sitting atop the AL West and riding a stretch of eight wins in their last ten games. Their offense hasn’t exactly been overpowering during this run — the team is hitting just .228 over that span — but timely power and elite pitching have carried the load. They’ll lean on both again Wednesday as right-hander Hunter Brown takes the mound.
Brown has emerged as one of the most dominant starters in baseball this season, posting an 8–3 record and an eye-popping 1.74 ERA with 118 strikeouts. His efficiency and command (0.89 WHIP) have kept opponents off balance all year, and he’ll face a Rockies lineup that’s shown occasional pop but little consistency. Colorado is just 19–66 overall, with only eight wins in 41 games at home.
Austin Gomber gets the ball for the Rockies in what will be just his fouth start of the season. The lefty owns a 6.14 ERA and has managed only five strikeouts in limited action, which could open the door for Houston’s power bats to do damage early. The Astros are 18–5 when they hit multiple home runs in a game.
Colorado will hope to build on the lone bright spot from Tuesday’s loss, a five-hit effort from rookie Jordan Beck, while Hunter Goodman continues to show some spark with five homers in his last ten games.
With the Astros heavily favored (-258) and looking to build further separation in the division, all eyes will be on Brown as he tries to keep the momentum rolling, and give Houston its 52nd win of the season.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -258, Rockies +208; over/under is 11 runs
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