A week into the new year, the NBA’s superstar pecking order is beginning to take shape. Big names, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama are set to take the floor tonight. That makes narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats a difficult task. Here are the three centers at the top of Wednesday’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Excellent 8’s [$100K to 1st]
*As of Wednesday afternoon, Nikola Jokic (illness) is questionable to play vs. the Clippers. If active for tonight’s game, he would rank atop this list.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs at MIL ($11,500)
The otherworldly ability of Victor Wembanyama is only getting better. Since the start of December, San Antonio’s second-year phenom is putting up eye-popping numbers: 28.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and an NBA-best 4.5 blocks through 15 games. With so many ways for the Frenchman to take over a game, he’s already become a top-five fantasy player, regardless of position.
Tonight, the 21-year-old will face off against another two-way menace in Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Scoring against Milwaukee is never easy; the team has given up the sixth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing centers. Still, it’s hard to say no to Wembanyama given his recent hot streak. There might be more cost-effective options at center, but saying no to a 7’3″ superstar is easier said than done.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks vs. TOR ($10,100)
Karl-Anthony Towns sat out on Monday due to a knee injury. His absence was clearly felt; New York lost 103-94 at home to an extremely shorthanded Magic squad. The Knicks’ starting center has produced MVP-caliber numbers this season, averaging 25.3 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 55.0% shooting from the field (44.0 3PT%).
Assuming Towns suits up tonight, he’ll be treated to a dream matchup against the Raptors on Wednesday night. This season, Toronto is giving up the sixth-most points in the paint (50.2) and the most DK fantasy points to opposing centers. The last time these two teams met, KAT put together a 31-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist masterpiece. An equally dominant performance would make the big man a steal, even with a five-digit price tag.
*As of Wednesday afternoon, Towns (knee) is questionable to play tonight vs. Toronto.
3. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers at DEN ($7,700)
The Clippers have gotten by for months without superstar Kawhi Leonard, thanks in large part to a talented group of role players. That includes Ivica Zubac, currently enjoying a career-best campaign. This season, the veteran center has posted 15.1 points and 12.6 rebounds on 61.6% shooting. He’s been especially dominant lately, recording more than 40 DK fantasy points in nine of Los Angeles’ previous 12 games.
With Nikola Jokic (illness) possibly out of action tonight, an already weak Denver defense could be even more vulnerable. This season, the Nuggets are allowing the fifth-most points in the paint (50.7), a weakness that the Clippers are sure to exploit. Given the lack of quality big men matching up with Zubac, Los Angeles’ center should flirt with another double-double. At just $7,700, this is one of the best values on Wednesday’s slate.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is b.armetta) 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.
