Tuesday’s NBA slate has plenty of stars in action, but figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats depends on a number of factors. Here are three centers I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $750K Opening Tip Off [$200K to 1st]
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks ($7,800)
An offseason blockbuster sent Towns to the Knicks, where he’ll play second-fiddle to Jalen Brunson instead of Anthony Edwards. With no logjam at center in New York, there should be more opportunities for the big man. Those could come down low or from three-point range, where he’s been one of the game’s best shooters (career 40% 3PT).
Last season, the Celtics allowed the 11th-most three-pointers in the league (35.9 per game). However, should Boston decide to focus on the perimeter, KAT could find success inside against Al Horford, who is starting with Kristaps Porzingis out. With the defense focused in on Brunson, there will be plenty of opportunities for Towns to make an impact.
2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers ($9,400)
Normally, it would be borderline insanity not to pick Davis as the top center on a two-game slate. However, at a price $1,600 higher than Towns, the cost is a bit too steep for me. Still, this is AD we’re talking about. He’s as good a bet as anyone in the league to post a double-double, with a few blocks sprinkled in for good measure.
Working in Davis’ favor is his recent success against the Timberwolves. While Minnesota might have the league’s best defense, they’ve had no luck stopping The Brow. In his last four full games against the T-Wolves, Davis is averaging 35 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Despite the price tag, you really can’t go wrong here.
3. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves ($6,700)
As tempting as it would be to go with the underpriced Naz Reid ($4,900), we have to pencil in Gobert as the third center off the board. Much of that has to do with the opponent; the Lakers love to take the ball to the rack. Last season, Los Angeles shot the fewest three-point attempts in basketball (31.1 per game).
LA’s offensive game plan should change a bit with JJ Redick as head coach, but this is still a LeBron James-Anthony Davis led team. With more shots inside, that means more chances for the reigning defensive player of the year to block shots and grab rebounds. Not having a seven-footer like Towns stealing boards this year only adds to Gobert’s appeal heading into this marquee matchup.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $750K Opening Tip Off [$200K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
