Six games between 12 teams across the NBA are set for Saturday. That includes a handful of superstars, such as Cade Cunningham, Kyrie Irving and Giannis Antetokounmpo. 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. SAC ($8,700)
If anyone can take the mantle of best player in Houston, it’s Alperen Sengun. The Rockets have leaned on their big man all season, and the results have been spectacular. Through 56 games, the center has averaged 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists (43.3 FPTS). It’s no surprise that those numbers led to Sengun’s first career All-Star Game selection.
In a battle between superstars down low, the Rockets will need a solid showing from their Turkish phenom. When Houston last met Sacramento in January, the center recorded 21 points, ten rebounds, and three assists (43.3 FPTS). The Kings have done a solid job defending the paint, but that isn’t enough to kick Sengun off of the top spot on Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings at HOU ($9,500)
By trading De’Aaron Fox last month, the Kings handed over complete control of their offense to Domantas Sabonis. Surprisingly, the center has struggled more without a standout talent at point guard. Over his last ten games, the three-time All-Star has posted 15.9 points, 14.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Those stats, while solid, aren’t quite at the level Sacramento fans were hoping for.
Over his last two appearances, Sabonis has tallied a combined 19 points. It’s difficult to imagine a drastic change on Saturday against a tenacious Rockets defense. This season, Houston has held opponents to just 106.6 points per game, third-lowest in the NBA. Still, the ninth-year pro has always been a stat-stuffing monster. With a lack of high-end talent available tonight, there are far worse options than paying up for the most expensive center on the board.
3. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons vs. BKN ($6,400)
To round out tonight’s list, let’s find a value play that could deliver big dividends. It’s no secret that the Pistons have been carried by Cade Cunningham. However, Detroit has several quality role players that are capable of stepping up on any given night. Despite suffering a statistical decline this season, center Jalen Duren is still an intimidating presence down low. Through 57 games, he’s put up 11.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 69.6% from the field (31.2 FPTS).
The Pistons will host one of the Eastern Conference’s worst teams on Saturday. While the Nets employ rim protector Nic Claxton, they’ve allowed the eighth-most points to opposing centers. Over seven career games vs. Brooklyn, Duren has averaged 12.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks. Another double-double tonight would make the 21-year-old a steal for fantasy managers.
