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 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets have a new key player this season for the playoffs, and it's their young point guard with a huge role.

Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets constantly dealt with double teams on Kevin Durant against the Los Angeles Lakers in the regular season. Can the Rockets handle it now?

Apr 12, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets closed out the regular season with a dominant victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at home as they head into the playoffs.

Mar 29, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBC broadcast team watches a game between the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

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The national TV spotlight of NBC has been on the Houston Rockets multiple times this season.

Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson (1) drives with the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets' win streak gets snapped at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in an unexpected loss at home.

Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) dunks the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets were on their way to blowing out the Philadelphia 76ers, but had to survive a late run in the fourth from Philly to pull out the win.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) argues with Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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It was an entertaining game to say the least between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, as the players went at it multiple times during the game.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets continued their win streak with an impressive comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant just defies the odds when it comes down to effective shot-making.

Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball next to Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets pulled out a tough road win over the Golden State Warriors in the return of Stephen Curry that extended their win streak to six.

Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets have gotten great production out of Tari Eason lately, and this is how he got out of his long shooting slump.

Apr 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) congratulate each other after a play against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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The Houston Rockets got the job done at home over the Utah Jazz as they continue to build momentum.

Maanav Gupta

Joined: Feb 1, 2026

Rockets Get Blown Out Late By Lakers in Game One of First Round Without Durant

Predictions for the Rockets and Lakers NBA Playoffs Series

Kevin Durant's Thoughts on His Latest Playoff Series Matchup Against Lebron James

Rockets vs Lakers NBA Playoffs History, Previous Matchups and Results

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Reed Sheppard May Be the Key to the Rockets' Postseason

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Are The Rockets Better Suited Now to Handle the Lakers Defense?

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Rockets Blowout Grizzlies At Home in Regular Season Finale

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What the NBA on NBC Crew Thinks of the Houston Rockets

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Three Takeaways from the Rockets' Shocking Loss to The Timberwolves

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Rockets Get By 76ers at Home for Eighth Straight Win

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WATCH: Rockets Get Into Multiple Scuffles With Suns as Former Players Clash

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Rockets With Huge Comeback Win Over Suns In KD’s Return to Phoenix: Three Takeaways

Kevin Durant's All-Time Scoring Mark is Even More Impressive With This Context

Rockets Win Thriller Over Warriors to Ruin Stephen Curry's Return

Tari Eason Gets Immense Boost of Support From Rockets' Teammate

Rockets Take Care of Business vs The Jazz: Three Takeaways