A six-game NBA slate is on tap for Saturday, with 12 teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Trae Young, Anthony Edwards and Alperen Sengun. 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:
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1. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets at POR ($9,100)
The Rockets might lack a true top option, but their offense revolves around Alperen Sengun. The 22-year-old plays like a veteran, quickly rising up the ranks of the best big man passers in the sport. Averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Turk earn his first All-Star game selection.
It takes the right opponent to slow down a big man with this many tricks up his sleeve. This season, Portland has given up the eighth-most points (117.3) and the sixth-most rebounds (53.4) to opponents. When these two teams last met in November, Sengun tallied 22 points, five rebounds and five assist (38.75 FPTS). With that in mind, the Blazers are unlikely to keep Houston’s budding superstar in check.
2. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics vs. ATL ($7,100)
Considering how few quality centers are available tonight, Kristaps Porzingis offers plenty of value at $7,100. The Celtics are an offensive juggernaut, scoring the fourth-most points per game in the NBA (117.6). While KP missed the first month of the season, he’s been terrific this season. The Latvian is putting up 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks through 18 appearances.
As spotty as the Hawks have been on defense, they’ve held their own against most centers. However, a stretch-five presents unique problems. Atlanta has given up the most three-pointers made to opponents (15.5), leaving them especially vulnerable against bigs that can shoot. If Porzingis connects from deep, he could be a steal on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
*Porzingis (injury management) is questionable to play tonight vs. Atlanta.
3. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers vs. PHI ($6,000)
Let’s look at a low-cost option to round out tonight’s list. The Pacers are a score-first type of team, but there are plenty of mouths to feed. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Myles Turner isn’t the most reliable fantasy option. Still, the big man is averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 49.1% from the field (40.4 3PT%) this season.
Normally, the Sixers would be a difficult matchup, having allowed the eighth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing centers. However, with Joel Embiid sidelined once again, it appears that Andre Drummond will start down low for Philadelphia. That’s perfect for an athletic shooter like Turner, who can take advantage of a slower defender. With such a low cost, Indiana’s big man can’t go any lower on Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
