Seven games are on tap for Tuesday, with 14 teams set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, 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. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at TOR ($9,400)
A thumb injury has slowed down what was shaping up to be an MVP-caliber season for Karl-Anthony Towns. Since January 1st, New York’s center has put up 20.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field. Still, in spite of the recent statistical decline, KAT is averaging 50.7 fantasy points per game. It’s only a matter of time until the big man finds his groove.
Following an 11-point fourth quarter against the Rockets on Monday, Towns appears to be gaining momentum. He’ll look to carry that over into tonight’s contest vs. Toronto. This season, the Raptors have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. In each of the previous three games between these teams, KAT has put up a 20-point double-double. The four-time All-Star is a safe bet to produce another quality stat line on Tuesday.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers vs. DAL ($9,600)
At long last, he (might) be back. Joel Embiid’s latest ailment, knee swelling, has kept him out of action since January 4th. Now, after a month of anticipation, Philadelphia has upgraded the center’s status to questionable. The 76ers, with a record of 19-29, can use all the help they can get. Through 13 games played, the former MVP has put up 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists (43.3 FPTS).
Assuming the 30-year-old does play, it’s difficult to trust his production. Head coach Nick Nurse will likely keep the big man on a strict minutes limit. There’s also a chance the 76ers pull away early against a Mavericks squad missing key pieces. However, this is still Joel Embiid. The seven-time All-Star is talented enough to deliver, even on a reduced workload. Is he worth his current salary of nearly $10,000? Probably not.
*Embiid (knee) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Mavericks.
3. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets at BKN ($8,900)
The Rockets lost a 124-118 nail biter against the Knicks on Monday; they clearly missed Alperen Sengun. Houston’s center, sidelined due to a calf injury, has emerged as one of the best young players in basketball. This season, the 22-year-old is averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field (43.9 FPTS).
The Turkish-born phenom is listed as probable for tonight’s game vs. the Nets. This season, Brooklyn has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. The Rockets will still be without plenty of contributors on Tuesday, including Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith. That should ensure even more touches than normal go to Sengun in this one. Houston’s budding star is a clear step above the remaining options on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
