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Identifying value at the center position can be the crucial factor when it comes to assembling a well-rounded fantasy roster versus frantically searching for rebounds and blocks from the waiver wire. Although top-tier big men often command hefty prices on draft day, there are also lesser-known players who have the potential to provide efficient scoring, rebounding, and defensive stats if given the chance.
To spot these hidden gems, one has to look beyond basic box scores and consider factors such as team dynamics, roster changes, and trends in playing time. With many frontcourts around the league undergoing changes, there are significant opportunities for overlooked centers to secure substantial roles and possibly influence fantasy matchups in your favor. Here are a few of my preferred sleeper picks at the center position:
**72nd in Top 150 Fantasy Rankings**
There’s considerable concern surrounding how Kristaps Porziņģis could affect Okongwu’s playing time, and their worries are understandable. After years of Okongwu vying for the starting position with Clint Capela, the Hawks have now brought in an even greater challenge for Okongwu. Still, there are reasons for optimism. Porziņģis has a spotty injury record and struggled to stay healthy towards the end of the 2024-25 season with Boston. Monitoring Porziņģis’s health will be crucial. Additionally, Okongwu is currently the only true center on the roster, as Porziņģis typically prefers to play on the perimeter. The Hawks are set to welcome back a healthy Jalen Johnson, who is projected to be the second offensive option behind Trae Young, leaving uncertainty around the frontcourt dynamics. Last season, Okongwu was a fifth-round fantasy asset in standard nine-category leagues, averaging only 27.8 minutes per game, and I believe he can easily replicate that success.
With Myles Turner gone, the center situation in Indiana is uncertain at best. Coach Rick Carlisle has indicated a “center-by-committee” strategy, suggesting that the starting center role may depend on the matchup. Many fantasy players have their eyes on Jay Huff, and while I think Huff is a viable option, I see Jackson having the most potential when compared to Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. Jackson has somewhat fallen off the radar following an Achilles injury that limited him to just five games last season. However, Carlisle hasn’t overlooked him, frequently praising his defensive skills. As Jackson enters his fifth season, he is just beginning to realize his potential, possessing career averages of 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.2 blocks per 36 minutes. Even if his role turns out to be limited, his per-minute output could make him a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
**81st in Top 150 Fantasy Rankings**
The Trail Blazers drafted Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick, making him an interesting prospect, yet Clingan is expected to be the starter on Opening Night and likely throughout the season. With the departure of Deandre Ayton, Clingan stands to gain significant playing time. He nearly made it into the top 150 in nine-category leagues during the 2024-25 season while averaging just 19.8 minutes per game. He was impressive in 37 starts, averaging 7.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game. Considering a potential second-year improvement for Clingan and the boost in guard play with Jrue Holiday joining the team, it’s reasonable to advocate for this young center as a breakout candidate.
**137th in Yahoo Fantasy Rankings**
Queta is one of the more overlooked center sleepers this season, but his opportunity is far more pivotal than his raw talent. His efficiency per minute has consistently been a strong point, as demonstrated by his impressive 65.0 percent shooting last year, alongside solid rebounding and rim protection in limited minutes. When he was given a chance to start, he proved he could perform at nearly a double-double level, scaling effectively with increased playing time. In his six starts, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks over 24.7 minutes. With Boston’s frontcourt significantly thinned by the exits of Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kornet, Queta now has a genuine shot at starting duties, with Chris Boucher and Luka Garza competing for the same role. For those in need of a late-round pick, his blend of established per-minute performance and new-found opportunities makes him a quintessential sleeper capable of delivering solid value in categories like field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.
I must admit, this next one is quite a deep sleeper. Bona has two key advantages. Firstly, he’s a surprisingly effective fantasy contributor. In 11 starts last season, he averaged 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals over 30.5 minutes. Secondly, health questions surrounding Joel Embiid going into the 2025-26 season add intrigue. Embiid has played only 58 games in the last two years. While the Sixers did bring back Andre Drummond for extra depth, it’s evident that Bona is likely to start the season as the second center in the rotation. Taking a chance on Bona late in drafts could yield some modest standalone value from him getting minutes in the teens, and he could become a key player if Embiid is unable to play.
**80th in Top 150 Fantasy Rankings**
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Ware is emerging as one of the captivating late-round center options, particularly for those in category formats. Last season, when he entered the starting lineup alongside Bam Adebayo, Ware showcased his impactful skills in limited minutes, averaging 10.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals while shooting 53.6 percent from the field in 28.4 minutes per game. His ability to provide rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring made him a valuable asset alongside a high-usage star. With his physical presence, defensive instincts, and growing offensive game, Ware boasts significant upside on a per-minute basis. Should Miami continue to grant him starter-level minutes, he could quickly become a fantasy asset capable of heavily influencing blocks, field-goal percentage, and rebounds in comparison matchups.
