Saturday’s ten-game slate of NBA action means figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Still, with so many matchups, there’s plenty of value available. Here are three centers I’m looking to back tonight.
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1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs vs. HOU ($10,700)
It wasn’t a dream season opener for Victor Wembanyama, as he totaled 17 points and nine rebounds on five of eighteen shooting. Don’t assume the poor numbers will continue; we saw the seven-footer post some monstrous numbers after the All-Star break last season. After the tough 120-109 loss to the Mavericks on Thursday, I’d expect head coach Greg Popovich to give his starters more work tonight; none of the five played more than 30 minutes.
There isn’t a strong statistical lean here; the Rockets were actually pretty solid against Wemby last season, giving up just 14.8 points over four games. However, I’m not betting on a generational talent to put up two straight stinkers. Bank on the Frenchman to post a big-time stat line in this one.
2. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets at SAS ($9,200)
Although Wembanyama gets most of the headlines, Alperen Sengun has a real claim as the second-best young center in the association. He’s gotten off to a great start in Year Four, averaging 20.5 points and 16.5 rebounds through two games. While there’s plenty of competition for touches on the Rockets, Sengun is emerging as the team’s go-to option. Among Houston players with more than 30 minutes played, his usage rating of 26.6% trails only Jalen Green’s (28.8%).
With all that said, the Turkish big man is set up for a solid showing on Saturday night. While the interior defense of Wembenyama is an obstacle for most, Sengun has dominated San Antonio. Last season, he posted 28.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists over the course of three games against the Spurs. The combination of precedent and current play makes it tough not to place Sengun in your lineups.
3. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat at CHA ($8,100)
Historically, Bam Adebayo hasn’t been the most consistent offensive contributor, and that’s been the case this season. During Wednesday’s season opener vs. Orlando, Miami’s big man put up a paltry nine-point, five-rebound stat line. The good news is that Charlotte’s defense is a far cry from Orlando’s. That’s especially true without starting center Mark Williams, who has missed time with a foot injury.
In the past, the Hornets have struggled to contain Bam, with the three-time All Star putting up 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his past ten games against Charlotte. With the entire team struggling to score in their last game, expect a more focused, locked-in version of the Heat offense, starting and ending with their elite center.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $25K And-One [20 Entry Max]
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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.
