We’re nearing the midway point of the NBA season, when superstars begin to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Big names, including Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jalen Brunson, are set to take the floor. That makes narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats a difficult task. Here are the three centers at the top of Saturday’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at SAS ($12,300)
In an epic battle down low, Nikola Jokic came up just short against Victor Wembanyama in a 113-110 loss on Friday night. Still, the Serbian recorded 41 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists against the Spurs, proving once again why he’s the NBA’s top center. It’s yet another remarkable performance in a season full of them; the big man is averaging 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.7 assists on 55.3% shooting from the field.
The three-time MVP will have an immediate opportunity to exact revenge on San Antonio, as the two teams met tonight on the second leg of a back-to-back. Facing off against the league leader in blocked shots isn’t easy, but there’s no center on Earth that can knock Jokic off the top spot of this list. Expect the big man to deliver another dominant stat line in this marquee matchup.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs vs. DEN ($11,300)
As previously mentioned, Victor Wembanyama was victorious last night, leading the Spurs with 35 points and 18 rebounds. Eye-popping numbers are becoming the norm for the Frenchman, who has been nothing short of spectacular over the past month. Since the start of December, he’s put up 29.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.2 blocks on 50.0% shooting from the field.
Nikola Jokic might be the toughest defensive assignment in the league, but he’s not very intimidating on the other end of the floor. This season, the Nuggets are giving up the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers, setting Wemby up for another big game. Even as the third-most expensive player on tonight’s slate, it’s tough to say no to this budding superstar.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at CHI ($10,300)
Even on a night where he struggled shooting the ball, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered another terrific stat line. The big man only scored 17 points last night against the Thunder, yet he hauled in 22 rebounds (57.0 FPTS). KAT’s first season in New York has been an overwhelming success, as he’s averaged 24.7 points and a league-leading 14.0 rebounds.
Towns will have a much easier time on Saturday against a terrible Chicago defense. The Bulls are giving up the second-most points in basketball (121.1) and the ninth-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. The last time these two teams met on November 13th, KAT scored 46 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Anything close to that tonight will make him a steal, even at his current five-digit price tag.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
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.
