Maanav Gupta

Maanav Gupta

Joined: Feb 1, 2026

Maanav Gupta is a staff writer for Houston Cougars on SI and Houston Rockets on SI. He graduated from the University of Houston in the summer of 2025 with his bachelor’s in journalism and a minor in Spanish. Gupta spent three years at the student newspaper, The Daily Cougar, and also covered the 2025 Final Four and National Championship as Houston beat writer for College Basketball Review. He also has his own YouTube channel, Maanav’s Sports Talk, where he has interviewed professional athletes and broadcasters like Jim Nantz, Jose Altuve, J.J. Watt, Rich Eisen, and Alperen Sengun. Gupta was also a contributor to the Houston athletic program as a student. You can find Gupta on X, Instagram and TikTok @MGSportsTalk.

Mar 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets former guard Vernon Maxwell waves to the crowd during a timeout against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and the Rockets defense in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Mar 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets starting forward has recently been one of the most improved players on the team.

Feb 28, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets need to get back to using some of their reliable bench talent.

Mar 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) is congratulated by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) after a made basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets survived the New Orleans Pelicans in a crucial win.

Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) congratulates Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) after a made basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets have a certain lineup that could work really well given some of the team's recent struggles.

Mar 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets just got crushed in the second half 77-46 in a blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets on the road.

Mar 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets took care of business against the Toronto Raptors in a much needed way in the front end of a back-to-back.

Feb 28, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka reacts from the sideline against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka gives a familiar assessment of what needs to get better.

Mar 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets struggled for most of the game to their Texas rival Spurs on Sunday night in San Antonio.

Feb 26, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives around Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason was a major contributor on offense previously, but that has changed recently.

Mar 6, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) dunks against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) in the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets made a critical comeback over the Portland Trail Blazers to avoid another disappointing loss at home. Here are three takeaways.

Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets lose a heartbreaker in overtime to the Golden State Warriors in what was expected to be a win at home.

Feb 28, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the basketball against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets are in a strong spot in the Western Conference standings and are in a position to keep it that way.