It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Tuesday. The quarterfinals get started with the feisty Orlando Magic traveling to Milwaukee to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Later, a star-studded playoff rematch gets going in Oklahoma City when the Thunder host the Mavericks. With plenty of big names across the association taking the floor, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Here are the three centers at the top of tonight’s board:
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1. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. DAL ($7,100)
On an extremely thin Tuesday for centers, Isaiah Hartenstein shoots to the top of the list. That isn’t necessarily a dig at the Oklahoma City big man, but it does reflect the lack of quality options available for fantasy managers. Since returning from injury on November 20th, I-Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3. blocks on 56.9% shooting from the field.
Hartenstein will get a dream matchup tonight against a Mavericks defense giving up the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. The last, and only time, the seven-year veteran played more than 30 minutes vs. Dallas came last January, when he tallied eight points and 15 rebounds. I’d expect even more production tonight as one of the focal points for Oklahoma City on both ends of the floor.
2. Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic at MIL ($5,400)
Now that Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are both out of action due to torn obliques, the Magic have plenty to figure out on offense. While guard Jalen Suggs can pick up some of the slack, it remains to be seen who else, if anyone, on this Orlando roster can also chip in. Goga Bitadze doesn’t seem like the most likely choice; the 6’10” center is putting up 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists through 21 games this season.
Nobody should expect much from Bitadze as a scorer, but he’s shown plenty of promise on the offensive end. Look no further than last Sunday against the Suns, when the big man had a 21-point, 16-rebound, four-assist stat line. When playing more than 30 minutes this season (three games), the sixth-year pro is generating 16.7 points and 13.0 rebounds. Starting Goga comes with risk, but he’s a high-upside play at a reasonable cost.
3. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks vs. ORL ($5,600)
At this point, there’s nothing fancy about Bobby Portis. The longtime sixth-man serves a valuable role for Milwaukee, often flirting with double-doubles even when coming off the bench. That’s been the case once again this year, as the fan favorite is averaging 12.8 points and 7.5 assists on solid shooting splits (46.3% FG, 37.0% 3PT).
Most important about Portis is his consistency; he’s scored ten points or more in 17 of his 22 outings this year (77.2%). He’s also a player that can put up numbers in a hurry, as seen during last Friday’s 18-rebound performance in just over 20 minutes against the Celtics. The Magic are a nightmare to score against inside, but reliable production makes Portis a sneaky-good play for those looking to cut costs at a thin center position.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $30K 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.
