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Central Division Fantasy Basketball Preview

FanDuel DraftKings daily fantasy basketball

Justin Carter previews the teams in the NBA's Central Division for fantasy basketball impact, breakouts, stars, and sleepers.

It might seem like the NBA season just ended, but we're just a month away from the start of the 2018-2019 NBA season! Time flies in basketball world.

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be bringing you division-by-division analysis of the upcoming NBA season and providing you with some fantasy nuggets for each NBA team that can help you make the best decisions as you head into your fantasy basketball drafts.

Today, I'll be looking at the NBA's Central Division.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

Central Division Fantasy Preview

Chicago Bulls

Can Jabari Parker and Zach LaVine stay healthy?

It's, umm, possible! Parker has played 82 games over the past two seasons. LaVine has played in 71. The Bulls are betting on both players being able to stay on the court this year, but should you bet on that with your fantasy team?

The advanced stats on both players looked bad last year, with both players finishing with a negative offensive and defensive box plus/minus (BPM) and a negative player impact plus/minus (PIPM). LaVine shot 38.3 percent from the field in 24 games last season. Parker shot much better than LaVine, but I have concerns about what else he brings to the table. I'm not sure I want to draft LaVine at his current top-70 ADP, but taking a chance on Parker around the 120 range could pay off.

Is Lauri Markkanen a baby Dirk?

I live in the Dallas area. Driving home from work the other day, Dirk Nowitzki was being interviewed on the radio about Luka Doncic. Dirk was asked about where he sees Doncic's development at age-19 versus where Dirk was at age-19 and Dirk was just completely in awe of how much better Doncic is at this point than he was.

This got me thinking about the NBA player with the most Dirk comparisons, Chicago's Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish power forward is the same height as Dirk and the two's per 36 minute stats early in their career share some similarities. Here's a chart:

Player Points Per 36 Rebounds Per 36 Free Throw % Three Point % True Shooting %
Lauri Markkanen - Rookie Season 18.4 9.1 84.3 36.2 55.2
Dirk Nowitzki - Second Season 17.6 6.5 83.0 37.9 56.4

There are a lot of similarities there. Markkanen seems to already be ahead of Dirk as a rebounder, with his shooting numbers just a little bit off. I'm not trying to suggest that Lauri Markkanen is on his way to being a top-20 player in league history because Markkanen still has a lot of work to do to become even the average defender that Dirk was, but his offensive numbers could present a close approximation of Dirk's early numbers. He'll need more playing time and to sustain his shooting percentages on a higher workload, but the upside is there and he can be a great fantasy pick.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Will Kevin Love be a solo star again?

The last time Kevin Love was the top option on an NBA team, the 2013-2014 Minnesota Timberwolves finished 40-42. The second best BPM on that team belonged to Corey Brewer, so there's a good idea of the kind of help Love had. In his final season with the Wolves, Love averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game along with a career-high 4.4 assists. The list of players to average 26/12/4 or better in a season includes Love and just six other names: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, Bob McAdoo, and Oscar Robertson. Sure, it's been a few years and few injuries since then and the 2018-2019 Cavaliers have a better supporting cast than Love had in Minneapolis, but Love's upside as the top option in Cleveland is hard to deny. I don't expect the assists to return thanks to the presence of George Hill and Collin Sexton, but Love's scoring ceiling is still what it was there, especially with the increase in his three point shooting percentages over the past few seasons.

Is it Cedi time?

With Rodney Hood still not signed, Cleveland seems prepared to open the season with Cedi Osman taking LeBron James's spot in the starting lineup. Osman, who is currently having himself a good time on Turkey's national team, showed a lot of potential as a rookie, but I've seen him ranked ahead of guys like Bobby Portis, Rajon Rondo, and Justise Winslow in some fantasy rankings already. The 36.8 percent shooting from deep as a rookie looked good, but can he hold up in a larger role?

Detroit Pistons

Will Luke Kennard ever make Pistons fans forget Donovan Mitchell?

The Detroit Pistons chose Luke Kennard one spot before Donovan Mitchell in the 2017 NBA Draft and thus far have definitely regretted that decision. But Kennard isn't mincemeat; the former Duke Blue Devil has a decent shot to end up starting at the two this season for the Pistons. He started the final four games of last season for Detroit and -- #SMALLSAMPLESIZEALERT -- averaged 15.8 points per game and shot 55.6 percent from three. Obviously unsustainable, but it is a good chance to see what Kennard can do at his very best. (Speaking of Kennard, the luck-adjusted on/off data from last year has Detroit's offense and defense being better with Kennard on the court than off the court. It's not outside the realm of possibilities to project Kennard's impact leading to him having a bigger role than Reggie Bullock, right? *waits for Pistons fans to exist and answer*)

Did we forget about Blake Griffin?

Short answer: yes.

Slightly less short answer: It definitely feels like the world has forgotten about Blake Griffin. He's, like, a borderline top-50 fantasy guy at this point and I'm really not sure what I can say to change anyone's mind about that because...I don't know where my mind is on that? The move from the Clippers to the Pistons in the middle of last season led to a change in Griffin's role. The ball was in his hands more often and he was used in more of a playmaking role, with his assist rate rising from 25.6 percent in 33 games with Los Angeles to 31.5 percent in his 25 Detroit games. Griffin increasing his assists maintaining a similar usage rate could be great news, but injuries have zapped some of his athleticism, leading to a career-low rebounding rate last season. Griffin is tough to judge because we're not sure how to project his career from this point. He started shooting threes last season as an astronomically higher rate than before -- if that keeps up AND a fully healthy Griffin is able to regain some of that bounce that made him a dangerous interior threat, fantasy owners could be thrilled with getting him at his current cost, but he also seems just as likely to get worse.

Indiana Pacers

Will Myles Turner make his next move?

Heading into last season, Myles Turner was a popular pick to be THE guy to break out, but Turner ultimately was limited to just 65 games with an elbow issue. His per game stats featured a decrease in points, rebounds, and blocks, but that was also accompanied by a drop in minutes. His per 36 stats looked nearly identical last year to the numbers he posted during the 2016-2017 season.

There's obviously some reasons to worry when a third-year player doesn't show improvement over the previous season. Turner should improve. He's got the ability to step out and hit from the perimeter and the size/speed to defend against modern NBA centers. He's got to improve on his actual recognition on the defensive end and needs to hit his jumpers more consistently, but this could be the year that Turner does what we thought he was going to do last year, right?

Which Tyreke Evans did Indiana get?

It really feels like Tyreke Evans is the kind of guy who is constantly oscillating between "man, he's just a journeyman already" and "still capable of being a big impact player." His single season with Memphis last year definitely leaned towards the latter, with Evans averaging more points per game than in any year since his rookie season while improving his shooting, his three point shooting, his rebounding, and his assist totals from the 2016-2017 season. Evans won't be starting for the Pacers, but he's an intriguing player who should see big minutes off the bench and could challenge for Sixth Man of the Year if plays at the same level he did last season. Can I confidently say that Evans isn't going to revert back to some of the more inconsistent moments he had in New Orleans? Nah, but at his current ADP (around the 100 range) you should consider betting on Evans to continue what he didn't finish with the Grizzlies.

Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis!

I'm not even sure what to say about Giannis Antetokounmpo. You're drafting him early because he's one of the league's best players, but could he be even better than expected this season? The Greek Freak shot over 30 percent from deep for the first time last season while taking 1.9 threes per game. You don't necessarily want someone hovering around the 30 percent mark to be shooting that often, but the development of a reliable perimeter game for Antetokounmpo would signal a new dimension for the Bucks offensively. New head coach Mike Budenholzer could help that -- last year, the Hawks ranked sixth in three point attempt rate and 16th in three point percentage while the Bucks were 25th in three point attempt rate and 21st in percentage. Atlanta was also ninth in pace, while Milwaukee was 21st. A faster Bucks team can give Antetokounmpo could possessions; a Bucks team shooting more threes can lead to more scoring from Antetokounmpo if his marginal per year improvement in his three point shooting percentage continues to go along with a slight increase in attempts.

What do we expect from Brook Lopez?

Serious question. I spent all of last season shifting my opinion on Lopez back and forth -- the Lakers would barely play him and I'd assume they were embracing their young players and then two nights later he'd play 27 minutes and score 19 points. Lopez was inconsistent last season, but on a contending team like the Bucks he should have a solidified role. As the third offensive option, Lopez is unlikely to put up the same scoring numbers he did late in his Nets career, but there's not a world where I can imagine a healthy Lopez being any worse than last season. Also wouldn't be surprised to see him rebound the ball a lot better than he did over the past two seasons.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension

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