Top 5 Sleeper Center Picks in NBA 2025-26 Fantasy Season

Building a dominant fantasy basketball roster often comes down to maximizing value at the center position. While elite big men come with hefty price tags, under-the-radar centers can provide rebounds, blocks, and efficient scoring that swing matchups in your favor.

Here's a look at the top sleeper centers ready to make an impact in 2025-26.

Isaiah Jackson, Pacers

Top 5 Sleeper Center Picks in NBA 2025-26 Fantasy Season

With Myles Turner no longer anchoring Indiana's frontcourt, Isaiah Jackson steps into a murky center rotation with massive upside. Head coach Rick Carlisle is employing a "center-by-committee" approach, giving Jackson opportunities alongside Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley.

After an Achilles injury limited him to just five games last season, Jackson enters his fifth year ready to make a mark. His per-36-minute career averages, 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.2 blocks, highlight his efficiency. Even a modest role could make Jackson a strong fantasy addition.

Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks

Atlanta's addition of Kristaps Porziņģis appears to be unmatched with Okongwu's role, but optimism remains. Porziņģis' injury history and perimeter tendencies leave Okongwu as the only true center on the roster.

Last season, Okongwu produced solid fifth-round value in nine-category leagues while averaging 27.8 minutes per game. With Jalen Johnson healthy and potential shifts in the frontcourt rotation, Okongwu has a clear path to repeat or even exceed his prior output.

Kel'el Ware, Heat

Kel'el Ware impressed when given starter-level minutes alongside Bam Adebayo last season. In 28.4 minutes per game, he averaged 10.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals while shooting 53.6%.

Ware's rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring make him a strong late-round fantasy target. If Miami continues to trust him with starter minutes, Ware could become a key contributor in blocks, boards, and field-goal percentage.

Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers

With DeAndre Ayton gone, Donovan Clingan is set to inherit substantial minutes in Portland. Last season, he averaged 7.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 24.5 minutes over 37 starts, nearly cracking the top 150 in nine-category leagues.

A potential second-year leap, combined with improved guard support, makes Clingan a strong candidate for breakout production in 2025-26.

Neemias Queta, Celtics

Neemias Queta stands out as a sleeper pick driven by opportunity. He shot 65% from the field last season while contributing rebounds and blocks in limited minutes. When stepping into the starting lineup, Queta delivered near double-double production.

With Boston's frontcourt thinned, Queta has a clear path to more minutes, making him a potential late-round gem for field-goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.

Finding the right center sleepers can be the difference between a solid fantasy roster and a championship contender. These under-the-radar big men combine per-minute efficiency with opportunity. They might be a huge gamble for your lineup, but they are still worth the shot.