It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Wednesday. The quarterfinals continue at Madison Square Garden, where Jalen Brunson and the Knicks host Trae Young’s Hawks. Later on, Steph Curry and the Warriors head to Houston to face an up-and-coming Rockets team. 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $70K Four Point Play [20 Entry Max]
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks vs. ATL ($9,700)
Game after game, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to impress as a member of the Knicks. During his first season in the Big Apple, the four-time All-Star has put up MVP-caliber numbers: 25.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 53.1% shooting from the field (44.7% 3PT). Moments like Monday’s game-winning three-pointer against the Raptors will only further endear the former Timberwolves star to the New York faithful.
KAT will look to keep the good times rolling against an Atlanta defense that has given up the third-most points in the NBA (119.8 PPG). The last time these two teams met on November 6th, the big man produced a monstrous 34-point, 16-rebound stat line. At home under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, expect Towns to deliver another masterpiece on Wednesday night.
2. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. GSW ($9,200)
The Rockets showed they were legitimate playoff threats last season. This year, they’ve proven they can hang with the Western Conference’s best. That will be put to the test tonight against a veteran Warriors team that has come out on top in this matchup fifteen straight times. If Houston has any hope of taking down Golden State, they’ll need to rely on their biggest (literal) advantage: Alperen Sengun.
The 22-year-old has a legitimate claim as the NBA’s second-best young big man, averaging 18.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists through 24 games. Golden State is giving up the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers this season, so this isn’t the most difficult spot. Considering the lack of quality options priced below him, Sengun is someone fantasy managers need to consider in their lineups tonight.
*As of Wednesday afternoon, Sengun (knee soreness) was questionable to play in tonight’s game.
3. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks at NYK ($5,700)
After Towns and Sengun, the cupboard is somewhat bare at center. If you’re looking for a cheap starter, Clint Capela could be of use. The eleven-year veteran has never been much of a scorer, but his skill on the glass and as a rim-protector remain elite. This season, he’s generated 10.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in just 22.7 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 58.2% from the field.
The Knicks have been tough on centers, giving up the fourth-fewest DK fantasy points to the position. However, Capela has done well in this matchup before, averaging 13.0 points and 7.8 boards over his last four games vs. New York. Considering the low cost, those looking to spend at other positions should take a flier on this rim-runner.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $70K Four Point Play [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.
