It’s a loaded eight-game, sixteen-team Wednesday night in the NBA. 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 slate:
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1. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at PHX ($9,400)
Karl-Anthony Towns has wasted no time getting acclimated to life in the Big Apple. New York’s marquee offseason acquisition is averaging 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists through thirteen games, leading the NBA’s seventh-highest scoring offense (116.9 PPG). The skilled seven-footer has generated more than 50 DK fantasy points in more than half of his outings with the Knicks this season.
With such a high floor for production, it’s somewhat puzzling that Towns isn’t the highest-priced center on the board. A matchup with the Suns, who might be without starting center Jusuf Nurkic, bodes well for KAT’s chances at yet another 20-point double-double. The big man should be well-rested after playing no more than 30 minutes in each of his last two games.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers vs. MEM ($9,800)
It’s been a rocky return for Joel Embiid. The former MVP has taken some time to get re-acclimated to NBA action, scoring just 14.7 points on 32.4% shooting in his first three games. Monday’s eleven-point struggle against the Heat offered little solace for 76ers fans hoping to see their superstar get back on track. A date with former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies doesn’t scream ‘get right game’.
Still, the seven-time All Star is undoubtedly one of the most gifted scorers in recent NBA history, averaging more than 30 points per game since 2021. There isn’t anything on the court this season that supports Embiid being the most expensive center on the board. However, it’s probably just a matter of time until he returns to form for Philadelphia.
3. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. POR ($8,500)
The Thunder have been hit hard by injuries down low, with both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined. Rather than start a subpar big man, head coach Mark Daigneault has opted for a small-ball approach with 6’6 Jalen Williams at the 5. While the team has been out-rebounded in most contests, the results have been solid. Since Holmgren’s injury, Williams is averaging 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists across five games.
After a solid 27-point, ten-rebound showing against the Spurs last night, Williams will get to face a Trail Blazers team giving up the 11th-most points in the league (114.2 PPG). Over his last six games against Portland, J-Dub has put up 21.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Anything close to that stat line will be a welcome sight in most fantasy lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Zone Special [$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.
