It’s a jam-packed Friday across the NBA, with 20 teams taking the court for a ten-game slate. That includes plenty of superstars, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. With so many big names playing, 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 at DET ($12,200)
Nikola Jokic as the first center on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings? How shocking. In all seriousness, there’s never much of a debate over the top of this list when Denver’s big man is active. The three-time MVP’s dominance is well-documented at this point, but many fans might not realize how good he’s been this season. Through 52 games, The Joker has posted 29.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 10.4 assists while shooting 57.5% from the field (67.7 FPTS).
There is quite literally no ceiling for Jokic against any opponent. That includes the Pistons, who have coughed up the 12th-most fantasy points to centers. When these teams last met on December 28th, the Serbian recorded 37 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Somehow, that was only good enough for 61.25 fantasy points, below the big man’s per game average. That just shows how high the floor is for the NBA’s best player. While it may be boring to leave Jokic at first, it’s the correct pick.
2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder at ATL ($7,200)
So you don’t want to pay up for the top center on tonight’s board? Then let’s pivot to a value play. Chet Holmgren is one of the more well-rounded big men in basketball; the Gonzaga alum offers an intriguing mix of rim protection and shooting. However, a fractured pelvis kept the 22-year-old out of action for nearly three months this season. Since returning on February 6th, Holmgren has averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks over six games.
Those numbers aren’t poor by any means, but they don’t scream ‘must-start’ either. The biggest plus for Holmgren is his opponent tonight, the Hawks. This season, Atlanta has allowed the fifth-most points (118.8) per game, while surrendering the second-most fantasy points to centers. When these teams met in October, Holmgren tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and six blocks (56.25 FPTS). A similar stat line on Friday would make Oklahoma City’s rising star a total steal for fantasy managers.
*Holmgren (calf) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Hawks.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at MEM ($10,000)
It’s been a spectacular first year in New York for Karl-Anthony Towns. The newest member of the Knicks has been an absolute force, forming a dangerous pick-and-roll duo with Jalen Brunson. Through 52 games, the center has put up 24.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists (51.0 FPTS). KAT has a strong case as the game’s best shooting big man, knocking down 43.2% of his three-point attempts this season.
After missing Wednesday’s contest in Philadelphia, Towns isn’t a guarantee to play tonight. If the center does suit up, even at less than 100%, he’ll have a terrific opportunity to produce against the Grizzlies. Memphis plays at the NBA’s fastest pace (104.11), often leading to massive numbers for both sides. When these two teams last met on January 27th, KAT notched 24 points and 11 rebounds over 31 minutes (44.75 FPTS). A similar outing on Friday would justify the five-time All-Star’s spot on these fantasy basketball rankings.
*Towns (knee) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Grizzlies.
