It’s a seven-game, fourteen-team night in the NBA. With plenty of teams playing, determining which big names to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Here are the three centers at the top of Saturday’s slate:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at LAL ($12,200)
Nikola Jokic wasted no time getting back on track on Friday night. Playing for the first time in twelve days, the three-time MVP compiled a 33-point, 17-rebound, ten-assist triple-double against the Mavericks. Things will get a bit more difficult on the second leg of a back-to-back in Los Angeles, going up against an elite interior defender in Anthony Davis.
Still, Jokic fears no man. The six-time All Star has had tremendous success against the Lakers recently, averaging 28.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists in his last ten games vs. LA. The price tag is (rightfully) sky-high, but no player in the association has a safer fantasy floor than the Joker. It’s hard to go wrong slotting this superstar into your lineups.
2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers vs. DEN ($11,000)
As good as LeBron James has been, Anthony Davis has been the driving force behind Los Angeles’ 10-5 record. This season, The Brow is putting up an eye-popping 31.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals. The big man’s stellar two-way play has positioned himself into the conversation for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
Even though the Nuggets have had the upper hand in this matchup lately, it’s not due to the play of Davis. Over his previous six games against Denver, AD has averaged 26.0 points, 14.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The Lakers will need their big names to step up in this one, so expect them to feed the ball to their center early and often.
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs vs. GSW ($11,000)
After a two-game hiatus, Victor Wembnayama is ready to take the court again on Saturday. The second-year big man has gotten off to a terrific start, posting 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and a league-leading 3.7 blocks on 47.2% shooting from the field. Although the Spurs went 2-0 without their franchise player, expect the Frenchman to immediately regain control of the offense.
The Warriors are giving up the fifth-fewest points in the league (109.1 PPG), but they are vulnerable down low. Golden State has allowed the tenth-most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. With such a steep drop-off at the position, Wemby is an easy choice for third on this list.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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.
