Tuesday’s four-game slate of NBA action means finding value in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Even with so few matchups, there’s plenty of players to choose from. Here are three centers I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at BKN ($11,300)
There might not be a player in the league I’d take in DFS formats ahead of Nikola Jokic, center or otherwise. While it’s tough to gauge a three-game sample size, the big man’s scoring has reached a new high for the Nuggets in 2024, with a current mark of 32.6 PPG on 57.6% shooting. That’s reflected in the Joker’s usage rate of 30.3%, which would be the second-highest of his career.
A matchup with the hapless Nets only makes playing the three-time MVP even more enticing. Last season, he put up 28.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in two games against Brooklyn. Expect a similar level of production on the second leg of a back-to-back for Denver.
2. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings at UTA ($9,300)
If anyone can serve as a poor man’s Jokic, it’s Domantas Sabonis. The All-NBA star has established himself as an elite passer, dishing out a whopping 7.5 assists over four seasons with the Kings. Sabonis’ court vision, coupled with elite interior scoring and dominance on the glass, has made him one of the game’s most skilled players.
That all-around production gives the Lithuanian one of the NBA’s safest fantasy floors. Even if Sabonis fails to score the ball at a high rate, he has multiple ways to contribute. Still, there’s no reason to expect a bad game, as the Jazz are surrendering the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers.
3. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. DAL ($7,000)
The depth tonight at center drops off mightily after Sabonis, which makes Rudy Gobert the next-best option down low. For all his flaws, what you see is usually what you get from the Frenchman. Great rim protection, double-digit rebounds, and enough scoring to at least keep teams honest when defending the pick and roll. So far this season, he’s averaging a solid 10.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
As you might remember, last year’s Western Conference Finals were a matchup nightmare for Gobert. Dallas’ two-guard lineup proved difficult for the seven-footer, as he was often forced to defend Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the perimeter. Still, I’d anticipate more defensive flexibility now that Karl-Anthony Towns is gone, which should keep Rudy on the court for most of the game. I’d try to spend a little more at center tonight, but Gobert is the next best option for those looking to use their funds elsewhere.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
