Before the ball drops on 2024, basketball fans will get to close out the year with four marquee NBA matchups. Big names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant and LeBron James are set to take the floor, so narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three centers at the top of Tuesday’s board:
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1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs vs. LAC ($11,600)
It’s been quite the few weeks for Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio’s second-year man is averaging 60.75 DK fantasy points over his past four outings, including a 42-point, 18-rebound masterpiece vs. the Knicks on Christmas day. This season, the 7’3″ center is putting up 25.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a league-leading 4.0 blocks through 27 games.
Going up against Ivica Zubac (more on him later) and a solid Clippers defense won’t be easy. However, the Frenchman had a near triple-double the last time these two met on November 4th, tallying 24 points, 13 rebounds and a whopping nine blocks. Wemby is the most expensive player, regardless of position, on Tuesday’s slate. However, with the way he’s been playing, it’s hard not to pay up for this elite two-way superstar.
2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers vs. CLE ($10,900)
After an injury-shortened Christmas day, Anthony Davis made his return on Saturday. It certainly didn’t look like The Brow was dealing with any health issues against the Kings, as he erupted for a monster 36-point, 15-rebound, eight-assist stat line. The numbers don’t come as any surprise to those that have followed the Lakers. This season, the big man has posted 26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 blocks.
The only caveat for Davis is tonight’s matchup. The Cavaliers are giving up the sixth-fewest points in the paint (45.6), led by the formidable duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low. However, the nine-time All-Star has had at least 20 points and ten rebounds in each of his last three meetings with Cleveland. Given how dominant AD has been this season, he and Wembanyama are a clear step above the rest of Tuesday’s collection of centers.
3. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers at SAS ($7,700)
If Wembanyama and Davis are too rich for your blood, consider Ivica Zubac in your fantasy lineups. Los Angeles’ center has long been one of the NBA’s most underrated players. This season, he’s taken his game to another level, putting up a career-best 15.4 points and 12.7 rebounds on efficient 61.7% shooting from the field.
Zubac has been especially impressive as of late, recording a double-double in each of his previous eight outings. During that time, he’s averaged 46.34 DK fantasy points per game. Matching up against a shot-blocking monster like Victor Wembanyama isn’t ideal, but it’s hard to say no to the veteran as a low-cost option. As the fourth-most expensive center on the board tonight, Big Z is big-time value.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is b.armetta) 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.
