A four-game NBA slate is set to tip off on Tuesday, with eight teams in action. Still, hoops fans can expect to see several big names, including Cade Cunningham, Kevin Durant and Karl-Anthony Towns. 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:
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1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers vs. TOR ($10,000)
As always, it’s uncertain if Joel Embiid (injury management) will suit up tonight. When the former MVP does take the court, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. Even during an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, he’s averaged 24.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists (45.3 FPTS).
Embiid is matchup-proof, but it certainly helps to play one of the NBA’s worst defenses. This season, the Raptors have given up 119.3 points per game, the fourth-highest total in basketball. Toronto has been especially vulnerable down low, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. In a favorable spot, Philly’s big man is an easy pick to lead tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
*Embiid (injury management) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Raptors.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at IND ($9,400)
It was a rough showing for every Knick other than Jalen Brunson on Saturday, including Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man scored just nine points against the Celtics, adding to a lackluster month of February. Still, one game doesn’t take away from a superb first season in New York. Through 47 games, KAT has posted 24.0 points and 13.5 rebounds while shooting 53.1% from the field (50.3 FPTS).
A date with the Pacers could be the perfect set up to get Towns back on track. Over his last ten meetings with Indiana, the five-time All-Star has recorded 29.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. KAT is certainly costly, but $9,400 is a reasonable price for someone with his potential. New York’s starting center should be targeted tonight by most fantasy managers.
3. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls vs. DET ($7,800)
At 34 years of age, it’s fair to wonder when the wheels will fall off for Nikola Vucevic’s production. The big man has been solid, if unspectacular, this season, putting up 19.3 points and 10.3 rebounds on 54.4% shooting (41.8 FPTS). However, those numbers have declined sharply (10.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG) over Chicago’s last three contests.
On paper, the Pistons appear to be a tough matchup for opposing centers. This season, the team has allowed 45.7 points in the paint, fourth-fewest in the NBA. However, Vucevic has produced 24.4 points and 11.2 rebounds over his last ten meetings with Detroit. As long as the Bulls leave their big man on the floor, he should put up numbers. At $2,200 less than Embiid, Vooch could be a nice pivot for those looking to spend more elsewhere.
