A nine-game NBA slate is on tap for Wednesday, with eighteen teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum. 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. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings vs. GSW ($10,000)
The Kings are back in the Western Conference playoff picture, having won nine of their last ten games. While several role players have stepped up, Sacramento has been carried by the duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The latter has been a stat-stuffing monster this season, averaging 20.8 points, 14.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists. The big man has also made major improvements to his shooting, leading the league with a 48.4% three-point percentage.
Tonight’s opponent, the Warriors, are fairly undersized, especially with Draymond Green (calf) already ruled out. This season, Golden State has allowed the sixth-most rebounds to opponents (53.5). When these teams last met on January 5th, Sabonis nearly recorded a triple-double (22 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST). On a thin slate for centers, the three-time All-Star is an easy first pick for these fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. CLE ($9,200)
Even the most optimistic Rockets fan wouldn’t have predicted a 28-14 record at the season’s halfway point. Houston has managed to win games thanks to a stifling defense and continued progression from its young stars. That includes Alperen Sengun, who has made a strong push for his first All-Star game selection. The Turkish center has posted 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
The inexperienced Rockets will face a major test tonight against the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers. This season, Cleveland has held opposing centers to the eighth-fewest DK fantasy points. To beat one of the game’s best front courts, Sengun will need to use his all-around skillset, potentially acting as more of a distributor than a scorer. It won’t be easy, but the 22-year-old still has a path to fantasy relevance on Wednesday.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies vs. CHA ($8,400)
For years now, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the glue keeping the Grizzlies together. The seventh-year pro has always been an elite rim protector, swatting 2.0 shots per game over his career. However, his play on the other end of the court often goes unnoticed. The former All-Star has averaged 22.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season for Memphis.
The Hornets have played surprisingly good defense down low, holding opposing power forwards to the sixth-fewest DK fantasy points. Still, Jackson Jr. has multiple ways he can beat a team, giving him a solid floor for DFS production. Assuming this game stays competitive, JJJ is one of the better options on tonight’s slate. Don’t be shocked if the big man finds his way to the top of Wednesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
