With just days until the All-Star break, NBA fans will be treated to a massive 15-game slate on Wednesday. Most of the sport’s biggest names, including Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Nikola Jokic are expected to suit up. With every team in action, narrowing down who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats isn’t easy. Here are the three centers at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. POR ($12,500)
The most overpowering force in all of basketball resides in Denver. Anyone with even a passing interest in the NBA knows how good Nikola Jokic is, especially this season. Through 48 games, the three-time MVP has put up 29.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists. It’s no surprise that the three-time MVP leads the association with an average of 68.1 fantasy points per game.
Few teams stand a chance against The Joker, although some are better equipped to stop the big man. That might apply to the Trail Blazers, who have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers. However, Jokic recorded 40 points, seven rebounds and eight assists (67.25 FPTS) against Portland on Monday. With that in mind, the Serbian is an easy first pick for Wednesday’s fantasy basketball rankings. Still, the amount of depth available at the position tonight might incentivize targeting a cheaper option tonight.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs at BOS ($11,700)
The ultimate sign of superstardom is when ridiculous statistics become the norm, rather than an outlier. Less than two years into Victor Wembanyama’s NBA career, and fans have already come to expect other-worldly numbers. This season, the Frenchman has posted 24.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game (54.5 FPTS). However, it’s on defense where the big man has truly excelled, leading the league with 3.9 blocks per game.
Wemby is riding high following a 31-point, 15-rebound masterpiece against the Wizards on Monday. That level of production will be harder to obtain on Wednesday against the Celtics. This season, Boston has allowed the seventh-fewest points in the paint per game (47.0) and the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers. As talented as Wembanyama is, the defending champs are capable of shutting nearly any center down on offense. The first-time All-Star is too dominant to leave off this list, but fantasy managers should manage their expectations.
3. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings at NOP ($9,500)
The NBA is currently enjoying a modern golden age for centers. That means some big men putting up impressive numbers have gotten lost in the shuffle. Look no further than Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento’s franchise cornerstone now that De’Aaron Fox has been traded. The three-time All-Star, a notable snub this year, has put up 20.4 points, 14.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game (50.7 FPTS).
Even for a walking triple-double threat, earning a spot on these rankings is no guarantee. It takes the right matchup, such as tonight’s contest with the Pelicans. This season, New Orleans has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing centers, relying heavily on rookie Yves Missi down low. During the last two meetings between these teams, Sabonis has averaged 29.5 points and 18.0 rebounds (59.0 FPTS). Compared to Jokic and Wembanyama, Sacramento’s star center offers massive value to fantasy managers on a reasonable salary.
