2025 is finally here, and hoops fans have eight NBA games to start the new year right. Big names such as Nikola Jokic, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis 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 Wednesday’s board:
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1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. ATL ($12,000)
Death, taxes, and Nikola Jokic dominating. The three-time MVP hasn’t slowed down one bit this season, putting up 31.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 9.5 assists on incredibly efficient 56.3/48.9/79.4 shooting splits. At his current pace, the three-time MVP could receive another trophy for his collection this spring.
The six-time All-Star is coming off of his best game of the season on Monday, a monstrous 36-point, 22-rebound, 11-assist triple-double vs. the Jazz. He’ll look to follow that up tonight against a vulnerable Hawks defense. This season, Atlanta is giving up 118.8 points to opponents, fifth-most in the NBA. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine anyone slowing down Jokic on Wednesday night.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks vs. UTA ($10,400)
After going through his first cold stretch of the season, Karl-Anthony Towns is back. The Knicks big man had a terrific two-game set vs. the Wizards last weekend, producing at least 30 points and 13 rebounds in both contests. It’s yet another notch in KAT’s dark horse MVP campaign, as he’s currently averaging 24.7 points and 13.5 rebounds on 55% shooting through 31 games.
As if the two Washington games weren’t enough, Towns will now get to host another miserable defense on Wednesday. Utah is giving up the third-most points in basketball (119.8) and the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. KAT has scored at least 25 points in four of his five most recent meetings with the Jazz; expect that trend to continue tonight at Madison Square Garden.
3. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. DAL ($9,500)
The Rockets are one of the association’s biggest surprises, currently sitting at third in the Western Conference with a 21-11 record. Leading the way for Houston has been Alperen Sengun. The fourth-year pro has taken his game to another level this season, posting 18.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 49.1% shooting from the field. Those numbers might be good enough to earn the Turkish-born center an All-Star game nod in February.
Tonight’s matchup is the perfect spot for Sengun to dominate. Dallas is giving up the ninth-most points in the paint to opponents (49.1) and the third-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. Over his last three matchups vs. the Mavericks, the 22-year-old has put up 23.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Considering the steep fall off at the position, Sengun is someone fantasy managers should be targeting.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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.
