NBA Cup Semifinals: Top 3 Centers to Dominate Fantasy Lineups This Saturday!

It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Saturday, December 14th. Hoops fans are treated to a pair of marquee matchups in Las Vegas, starting with Trae Young and the Hawks facing off with old foe Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The nightcap showcases the upstart Houston Rockets taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Western Conference-leading Thunder. With so many big names in action, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are three centers at the top of tonight’s board:

Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets – A Rebounding Force

Entering his fourth year in the NBA, it’s become apparent that Alperen Sengun is Houston’s top dog. This season, the 22-year-old is putting up 18.8 points to go with a career-best 10.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists through 25 games. In a league flush with talent down low, the Turkish big man is making a name for himself as an all-around threat. The Rockets are 7-3 in games the young center has scored more than 20 points in.

Tonight’s opponent, the Thunder, possess one of the NBA’s stingiest defenses, giving up fewer points than any Western Conference team (103.8 PPG). However, OKC has had trouble on the glass, allowing the most rebounds to opponents this season (57.3 RPG). The season debut of Isaiah Hartenstein on November 20th has helped in that regard, but this is still a somewhat undersized group. Expect the 6’11” Sengun to take advantage, as the Rockets will need their best player to put up a big-time performance in primetime.

Sengun's Dominance on the Boards

Sengun's rebounding prowess is a significant factor in his fantasy value. His ability to consistently grab boards, even against strong defensive teams, makes him a reliable asset for fantasy lineups. His high assist numbers also contribute to his overall fantasy point potential.

Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder – The Versatile Big Man

Speaking of Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City’s center is an easy pick as the second center off the board. While the former Knicks big isn’t much of a scorer, he manages to do a little bit of everything on the basketball court. During nine games this season, he’s averaging 11.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 55.4% shooting from the field. On the defensive end, Hartenstein has chipped in with 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals.

In what could be a physical brawl between two Western Conference rivals, I-Hart’s unique skillset could come in handy. The last time these two teams played on December 1st, the seven-year veteran put up a 19-point, 13-rebound, four-assist stat line. Even if he doesn’t reach double-digit points, Hartenstein typically finds a way to contribute. On an extremely thin night for centers, he’s a solid alternative to Sengun.

Hartenstein's All-Around Contributions

Hartenstein's value extends beyond scoring; his rebounding, assists, and defensive contributions make him a valuable asset in fantasy basketball. His consistency in these areas makes him a dependable pick, especially on nights with limited center options.

Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks – The Underestimated Veteran

Considering the lack of quality options available on Saturday, we’ll round out the list with an unconventional pick. Rim-runners playing just under 23 minutes per game aren’t known to produce, but Clint Capela could be an exception tonight. Despite the limited workload, Atlanta’s starting center is still generating 10.2 points and 9.5 rebounds on 58.4% shooting. Add in some modest defensive statistics (0.9 BLK, 0.6 STL), and there’s more than meets the eye with this veteran.

The Bucks have given up the sixth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing centers, but that doesn’t make this a bad matchup for Capela. Since joining the Hawks, the 6’10” bruiser has averaged 12.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over 11 games against Milwaukee. With so few viable starters on tonight’s slate, there’s real value in playing the big man for those looking to spend more at other positions.

Capela's Value Despite Limited Minutes

Capela's efficiency, even with reduced playing time, makes him a valuable fantasy option, especially against teams like the Bucks where he has historically performed well.

A Final Word on the NBA Cup Semifinals Showdown

As the NBA Cup semifinals unfold in Las Vegas, the competition promises to be fierce. The matchups feature a blend of established stars and rising talents, and the battle for supremacy will undoubtedly be captivating. The games showcase the excitement and unpredictability inherent in professional basketball. Remember to consult the latest game previews and sports news sites for real-time updates. These are just projections; the actual outcomes of the games could vary significantly. Remember to always gamble responsibly.

The excitement is palpable as we anticipate the intense clashes between these powerhouse teams. The NBA Cup semifinals are sure to deliver exhilarating plays and memorable moments for fans and fantasy players alike. This is a tournament that deserves your attention. Remember to set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups early. Good luck!