Another loaded NBA slate is set for Friday, with eight games between 16 teams on tap for hoops fans. That includes a handful of superstars in action, such as James Harden, 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 vs. PHX ($12,300)
Thinking of new adjectives to describe Nikola Jokic’s brilliance has become a challenge. The prolific center is making his way up the all-time NBA ranks with each passing day, carrying an otherwise mediocre Nuggets squad. As things stand, the Serbian is in contention for a fourth career MVP award. Through 56 games, he’s averaged 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists (67.3 FPTS).
Jokic’s massive fantasy floor makes him the safest (and most expensive) DFS asset in basketball. The Suns, Friday’s opponent, are the polar opposite of Denver, shuffling through a weak center rotation consisting of Nick Richards and Bol Bol. It’s no surprise that Phoenix has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing big men. Assuming he plays tonight, the Joker shouldn’t have much trouble producing against one of the NBA’s worst front courts.
*Jokic (ankle) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Suns.
2. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat vs. MIN ($9,200)
It took some time, but Bam Adebayo has finally returned to form. Miami’s center stumbled out of the gates, often struggling with his shooting efficiency. That’s changed recently, spurred by the Jimmy Butler trade last month. Since February 10th, the big man has recorded 22.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists over ten appearances.
Adebayo is coming off of a 34-point, 12-rebound, five-assist masterpiece on Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers. A repeat performance tonight could prove difficult; the Timberwolves have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers. However, Minnesota will likely be without former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert (back) down low. Miami’s face of the franchise is poised for plenty of work in this one, making him worth consideration for Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Jonas Valanciunas, Sacramento Kings vs. SAS ($6,900)
Let’s go with a true bargain play to round out tonight’s list. The Kings made a splash at the trade deadline, acquiring center Jonas Valanciunas from the rebuilding Wizards. After coming off the bench for Sacramento, the Lithuanian now finds himself in the starting lineup with Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) out. So far, the veteran has delivered. Over his last three outings, Valanciunas has averaged 16.0 points and 12.0 rebounds while shooting 53.8% from the field.
Sacramento will host a beat-up San Antonio squad on Friday. This season, the Spurs have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing centers. The team is even worse down low with Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) injured. Valanciunas isn’t a perfect player by any means, but he’s always been a fantasy producer when given the opportunity. The 32-year-old is one of the best values available at any position tonight.
