Eight games between 16 teams across the NBA are set for Wednesday. That includes a handful of superstars, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, 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. SAC ($12,200)
Before clicking on this article, you already knew who would be number one. Whenever the Nuggets take the court, Nikola Jokic is a stone-cold lock to rank first on this list. The future Hall of Famer has enjoyed another remarkable season, making a strong push for his fourth MVP award. Through 55 games, the center has averaged 28.9 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists (67.6 FPTS). The big man’s efficiency has been remarkable as well, shooting 57.8% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range.
It’s difficult to think of a team Jokic doesn’t dominate, and the Kings are no different. Over the Serbian’s previous five outings vs. Sacramento, he’s produced 21.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 11.2 assists. Those numbers could go up even more with Domantas Sabonis out of action due to a hamstring strain. Compared to the other lackluster options available at center, The Joker is worth paying up for on Tuesday.
*Jokic (ankle) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Kings.
2. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves at CHA ($7,800)
Rudy Gobert’s back injury has opened up plenty of minutes for Naz Reid. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has already proven he can thrive as a go-to scorer off the bench. Now, he’s excelling for the Timberwolves with an expanded role. Over 14 games as a starter this season, the 25-year-old has posted 18.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Most recently, he put together a 25-point, six-rebound performance (38.5 FPTS) vs. the 76ers on Monday.
Reid will get another chance to produce on Tuesday night, with Gobert likely out once again. The Hornets have struggled all season inside the paint, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. When these teams last met in November, Reid recorded 25 points in just 26 minutes of play. As just the third-most expensive player at his position, Minnesota’s backup big is one of the best values on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat at CLE ($8,900)
Without Jimmy Butler for most of the season, Bam Adebayo has been granted more work on offense for the Heat. It hasn’t been the best campaign for the three-time All-Star, shooting a career-worst 48.6% from the field. However, over his last 15 games, the big man has averaged 21.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Those well-rounded numbers give Miami’s starting center a decent fantasy basketball floor.
Adebayo might have a tough time getting anything going on Tuesday. Miami’s opponents, the Cavaliers, have held opposing centers to the sixth-fewest fantasy points this season. However, with Tyler Herro (cold) listed as questionable, Miami could funnel its offense through the 27-year-old. Reid might make more sense as a Jokic pivot tonight, but there’s plenty of reasons to target Bam.
