The NBA’s second half is underway, with just a handful of weeks remaining in the regular season. 14 more teams will take the court on Tuesday evening for a seven-game slate. That includes plenty of superstars, such as Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James. With several big names 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. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. MIL ($8,500)
Alperen Sengun may not be a household name (yet), but he’s already emerged as one of basketball’s best centers. The Turkish-born big man earned his first career All-Star Game selection this season, and it’s easy to see why. Through 54 games, he’s averaged 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists (42.7 FPTS). That production has been essential for a Rockets team sitting at fifth in the crowed Western Conference.
Tuesday’s opponent, the Bucks, aren’t pushovers on defense, especially down low. Milwaukee has allowed 46.4 points in the paint per game, the NBA’s sixth-lowest mark. Sengun did manage to record 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists when these two teams met in November. A similar outing tonight would justify the 22-year-old’s placement on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics at TOR ($7,500)
The Celtics are an absolute machine, seemingly capable of swapping out any starter without missing a beat. Still, make no mistake: Kristaps Porzingis is a crucial piece for the defending champs on both ends of the court. This season, the seven-footer has posted 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game (36.5 FPTS). Due to his elite shooting and rim protection, Boston’s big man makes life easier for the rest of this loaded roster.
Porzingis should have room to produce on Tuesday against the Raptors. This season, Toronto has allowed 119.3 points to opponents, fourth-most in the NBA. When these two teams last met, the former All-Star tallied 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks (39.0 FPTS). Considering the lack of high-end centers available tonight, KP is a savvy choice for most fantasy managers.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies vs. PHX ($7,700)
The Grizzlies (sans Ja Morant) have been fantasy basketball gold this season, thanks to the team’s league-leading pace (104.1). No player has impressed more than Jaren Jackson Jr. The former Defensive Player of the Year has remained a two-way threat, averaging 1.7 blocks per game. However, he’s been equally dominant on the other end of the floor, generating 22.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game (39.0 FPTS).
JJJ is usually a solid fantasy basketball pick, especially at a salary of less than $8,000. With that being said, a matchup with the Suns tonight is extra-intriguing for the power forward. Over two meetings with Phoenix this season, Jackson Jr. has averaged 48 fantasy points. The two-time All-Star offers some of the highest upside at any position on Tuesday’s slate.
