Saturday isn’t the most jam-packed NBA slate; just six teams across the association are taking the court tonight. With so few players to choose from, figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Still, there’s also a higher chance to start undervalued players. Here are three centers I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Alley Oop [$50K to 1st]
1. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls vs. ATL ($8,300)
Even at age 34, Nikola Vucevic is as dependable as they come. So far this season, the fourteen-year veteran is putting up 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. That comes out to 43.1 DK fantasy points a night, one of the best marks in the association.
With the Bulls now missing Zach LaVine, expect most of their offense to revolve around Vucevic. Although a career-best 47.5% three-point percentage isn’t sustainable, the volume should be more than enough for the big man to deliver a solid fantasy performance. Another ho-hum 20-point, ten-rebound night for Chicago’s center could be on deck.
2. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers vs. TOR ($7,900)
There aren’t many quality big men on Saturday’s slate, so this might be a position to pay up for with Vucevic. For those looking to save tad, Ivica Zubac is an intriguing option. The Croatian’s current career-best numbers (16.7 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 3.4 AST) are unlikely to continue, but the Clippers sans Kawhi Leonard are a different team.
Without their superstar forward, Los Angeles has leaned heavily on James Harden and Norman Powell. That’s opened up room for other players to contribute on offense, such as Zubac. The 6’11 big is putting up 12.3 field goals per game, a massive boost from last season’s high mark of 7.6. That level of volume combined with plenty of work on the glass makes for an intriguing starting center option.
3. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors at LAC ($7,800)
Jakob Poeltl has never been a go-to fantasy option during his nine-year NBA career, but his all-around fantasy contributions can sometimes fly under the radar. The Austrian has gotten off to a terrific start this year, putting up career-best marks in points (15.0 PPG) and rebounds (11.4 RPG). While some of the center’s production can be attributed to the absence of Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, he’s also logging an all-time best of 32.8 minutes per game.
The Clippers, thanks in large part to Zubac, field one of the NBA’s best defenses. However, they’ve still allowed the sixth-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. Given Toronto’s lack of quality scoring options, Poeltl is the obvious third choice from an otherwise barren group of centers.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Alley Oop [$50K 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.
