A seven-game NBA slate is set to tip off on Friday, with 14 different teams in action. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama. With so many stars suiting up, 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. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs at CHA ($11,000)
With Nikola Jokic set to play tomorrow, Victor Wembanyama is an easy choice for Friday’s top center. The second-year pro has wasted no time establishing himself as one of the best players in basketball. Through 42 games, Wemby has averaged 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists ( FPTS). However, his most impressive accomplishment is on the other end of the floor: a league-leading 3.9 blocks per game.
The Frenchman will get a dream matchup tonight against Charlotte. The Hornets were already vulnerable down low, having allowed the third-most fantasy points to centers. Now that Mark Williams has been traded to the Lakers, there’s a noticeable lack of big men on the roster. Wembanyama should feast against an under-equipped opponent. Even at a lofty price of $11,000, fantasy managers should consider paying up for the 21-year-old.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers vs. DET ($10,000)
When healthy, Joel Embiid is one of the NBA’s most dominant forces. Unfortunately, that’s a massive if. Philadelphia’s face of the franchise has played in just 14 games this season, plagued by several diffrent injuries. During his brief time on the court, the former MVP has posted 24.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game (44.6 FPTS).
After returning earlier this week against the Mavericks, the 76ers star is set to log his second straight appearance on Friday. The Pistons play tough defense, having allowed the sixth-fewest points in the paint per game (46.2). Still, Embiid is simply too good to ignore for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings. Expect the former MVP to deliver another 20-point double-double in this one.
3. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat at BKN ($8,200)
A difficult Jimmy Butler trade saga has passed in Miami, with the veteran being traded to the Warriors on Wednesday. While the move brought back some quality role players, its biggest benefit for the Heat is clarity. No longer will the roster be burdened by the latest rumors and demands. That level of comfort has been reflected in the recent play of Bam Adebayo. Over his last five outings, the center has averaged 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists (40.0 FPTS).
The Heat have had success running a two-big lineup with Adebayo and rookie Kel’el Ware sharing the floor. There should be room for both to produce against a Nets team surrendering the eighth-most fantasy points to centers. When Bam last played Brooklyn on January 25th, he produced 17 points, 16 rebounds and four assists (45.0 FPTS). A similar stat line could make the three-time All-Star a steal on Friday.
