It’s a six-game, twelve-team NBA Cup slate on Tuesday night. With so many stars across the association playing, narrowing down a select group of big names to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Here are the three centers at the top of tonight’s list:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers vs. UTA ($10,700)
Now that both Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama have been ruled out for Tuesday, Anthony Davis is the clear top dog at center. The nine-time All Star is on pace for the best all-around season of his career, averaging 31.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Even if those numbers dip slightly going forward, the veteran big man is firmly entrenched in the MVP race.
Even though the Jazz possess some quality interior defenders in Walker Kessler and John Collins, this is still a terrific spot for Davis. The Brow has put up 25.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and and 2.1 blocks over his previous ten games against Utah. Even though this game could be over early (Lakers are favored by eleven points), I’d expect another monster performance from AD. Given the dearth of quality options at center tonight, he’s a name that’s worth paying up for.
2. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder at SAS ($8,500)
With centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein both nursing injuries, the Thunder have had to get creative. Although he’s known more as a wing, 6’6 Jalen Williams has been tasked with playing down low as part of Oklahoma City’s new look starting five. Even though the team has lost the rebounding battle in most of those matchups, the third-year pro has put up 25.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in four games without Holmgren.
Normally, small-ball against the Spurs would be a recipe for disaster. However, without the 7’4 frame of Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio becomes a much different team. Expect the Thunder to attack backup center Zach Collins and a now-vulnerable interior defense. This game could become a blowout, but OKC should rely heavily on Williams before things get out of hand.
3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at BOS ($7,900)
The crown jewel of Tuesday’s schedule sees the undefeated Cavaliers travel to Boston to take on Jayson Tatum and the defending champions. Throughout its 15-game win streak, Cleveland has relied heavily on fourth-year forward Evan Mobley, who has established himself as one of the best two-way players in the NBA. This season, the USC product is averaging 18.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks through fourteen games.
The Celtics wield one of the league’s elite defenses, but most of their prowess comes on the perimeter. Kristaps Porzingis is still sidelined with a leg injury, forcing 38-year-old Al Horford into a starting role. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Boston is allowing the third-most points in the paint to opposing teams (53.0 PPG). Considering Mobley’s already high fantasy floor, this matchup is a double-double waiting to happen.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K 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.
