Another loaded NBA slate is set for Saturday, with eight games between 16 teams on tap for hoops fans. That includes a handful of superstars in action, such as Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo. 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. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. NOP ($9,500)
On an incredibly deep roster, Alperen Sengun has a strong case as Houston’s best player. The first-time All-Star has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Through 59 games, he’s averaged 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game (43.5 FPTS). The Turkish-born center isn’t one of the game’s elite centers (yet), but he’s still improving at just 22 years old.
Sengun’s terrific passing and rebounding skills give him a path to fantasy production that doesn’t require 20+ points. That might not matter on Saturday against a woeful defense. This season, the Pelicans have surrendered the sixth-most points (117.9) and tgurd-most rebounds (54.9) to opponents. New Orleans has been especially bad down low, allowing the most fantasy points to opposing centers. Even as the most expensive big man available, Sengun is an easy first pick for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat vs. CHI ($9,300)
The Heat are lacking difference-makers on offense without Jimmy Butler. That’s forced Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to handle most of the scoring for Miami. The latter stumbled out of the gates this season, but he’s found his footing as of late. Over his last ten games, the three-time All-Star has posted 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Bam will look to keep his stellar play going following a 29-point, 13-rebound showing vs. the Timberwolves on Friday. That shouldn’t be too difficult against a Bulls squad allowing the third-most fantasy points to centers. Chicago has also given up the second-most points (121.0) and second-most rebounds (55.0) per game to opponents. Miami’s newest face of the franchise is poised for another double-double on Saturday night.
3. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons at GSW ($6,900)
Anyone that’s followed the NBA this season understands that the Pistons have been carried by Cade Cunningham. Still, there are several members of this scrappy Detroit squad that deserve more recognition. Jalen Duren isn’t the most well-rounded player, but he’s a reliable double-double machine. This season, the center has averaged 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 70.2% from the field (31.6 FPTS).
The 21-year-old isn’t a sure-thing by any means; look no further than Wednesday’s seven-point outing vs. the Clippers. However, that likely won’t be the case on Saturday. Detroit’s center has recorded at least 32.0 fantasy points in four of his last six appearances. Tonight’s opponent, the Warriors, are one of the NBA’s smallest teams. Over his last three meetings with Golden State, Duren has generated 13.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. At a salary of less than $7,000, there are far worse options available for fantasy managers.
