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.

Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) moves the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets kept their season alive in impressive fashion with a hard-earned Game 5 win on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) defends during the first quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets put together a strong defensive effort in Game 4 that stifled LeBron James.

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) huddles with teammates during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun gave a speech that fueled them to victory in Game 4. Here's why that happened.

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets dominated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 at home to win their first game of the series.

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a play during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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It's up to the Houston Rockets' young core to save their season, and the group has no excuses for their poor decisions.

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts after a play during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets' Game 3 loss vs the Los Angeles Lakers was the latest and most disappointing episode of blown leads this season for Houston.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) as he drives to the basket during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets offense has operated at a poor level in the playoffs so far. The return of Kevin Durant, one of the greatest scorers of all time, was suppos