It’s a loaded nine-game NBA slate on Friday, as eighteen teams are set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. With so many stars in action, narrowing down who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three centers at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at MIA ($11,900)
The Nuggets are a flawed basketball team, having suffered from defensive lapses and frequent injures all season. With that being said, rostering the best player on Earth can cover up a lot of holes. Nikola Jokic has never been better, averaging 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.9 assists through 34 games. The big man has shot the ball better than just about anyone, connecting on a league-leading 47.1% of his three-point attempts.
As long as he’s healthy (no guarantee), the Joker will always be first on these fantasy basketball rankings. Tonight’s opponent, the Heat, do employ All-Defensive team selection Bam Adebayo down low. Still, Jokic recorded a 30-point, 11-rebound, 14-assist triple-double when these teams met last November. The most dominant center in recent NBA history has become the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ option for managers.
* Jokic (elbow) is questionable to play tonight vs. Miami.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks vs. MIN ($9,900)
Jalen Brunson is the most important player on the Knicks, but Karl-Anthony Towns might be the most talented. The four-time All-Star has been phenomenal since joining New York, posting 25.4 points and a league-leading 13.9 rebounds this season. The big man’s efficiency has been exceptional as well, hitting 55.0% of his shots from the field (44.9 3PT%).
In a battle against his old team, KAT should have plenty of motivation for tonight’s contest. The last time these two teams met, the center tallied 32 points and 20 rebounds in a blowout victory over the Timberwolves. Minnesota travels to New York on Friday, where the Knicks are 13-7 in front of their home crowd. In a much-anticipated matchup, Towns should go off under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
*Towns (hand) is questionable to play tonight vs. Minnesota.
3. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls vs. CHA ($8,200)
This Bulls are the junk food of the NBA: unwatchable defense and questionable fundamentals, but they can score points in a hurry. Nikola Vucevic epitomizes the current state of Chicago basketball. The 34-year-old isn’t much of a rim-protector (0.7 BLK), but he’s put up some gaudy counting stats. This season, the two-time All-Star has averaged 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds while shooting 55.6% from the field (42.2 3PT%).
A showdown with the even worse Hornets on Friday is the perfect spot for Vooch to shine. Charlotte has allowed the ninth-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers this season. When these two teams last met on December 30th, Vucevic had 16 points and 13 rebounds (40.75 FPTS). Another double-double would make the veteran a worthy add tonight at nearly $4,000 less than Jokic.
