Fantasy basketball roundtable: Center edition

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Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the center position going into the 2016 NBA fantasy draft season, courtesy theScore's team of fantasy experts (▲: player is trending upward; ▼: player is trending downward):

What is injury-plagued Joel Embiid's value if he plays this season?

Potter: Imagine you're 76ers coach Brett Brown, and Embiid says during the second week of the season that his foot is acting up. Do you try to get him into the lineup with approximately 27 other lottery-pick big men for 15 minutes a night, or do you sideline him for a week? They're taking the long approach with Embiid, and so should you. He's nothing more than a final-pick flier.

Wilson: The potential he has is enticing, but the severe injury risk is Greg Oden-levels of disconcerting. I'm not considering him in drafts unless he falls to the last few rounds. Any earlier, and it's too much of a roll of the dice for a player who has yet to play a game in the NBA and has missed both seasons since being drafted. Don't fall victim to 'fear of missing out'; let him slide.

Ghatak: Even if he plays, Embiid will still have to deal with plenty of NBA growing pains and a crowded Philadelphia frontcourt that includes Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Dario Saric, and the versatile rookie Ben Simmons. Embiid's per-36 rates could turn out to be nice if he puts it all together, but he won't be given the playing time to be an impactful fantasy player.

Which center over 30 has the most left in the tank for fantasy owners?

Potter: After spending last season alongside Tim Duncan and David West, LaMarcus Aldridge might now find himself as the Spurs' primary post option. He averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds at age 30, but his numbers could look more like his final year in Portland: 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 35.4 minutes per game. Pau Gasol and David Lee won't stand in the way.

Wilson: While the "change-of-scenery" narrative is a tired one, Al Horford is the best pick here. Horford does a little bit in multiple categories, and he rarely has a down game. While other centers may represent higher ceilings, few have a better floor. And other than his injury-shortened 2013-14, he hasn't shown any signs of wear-and-tear. He's as low-risk as they come.

Ghatak: Marc Gasol is the most sensible answer, despite coming off of injury. Chris Bosh is dealing with significant health issues. Dwight Howard has played over 30,000 minutes for his career; Gasol sits just shy of 19,200 minutes. He contributes in most fantasy categories, averaging 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 steals over his past two seasons.

Which late-round flier will be a cheap force on the glass?

Potter: Jared Sullinger. The team said goodbye to 12.8 rebounds per game from Bismack Biyombo and Luis Scola; Sullinger averaged nearly 16-and-13 per 36 minutes. He won't get 36 minutes a night, but with long stretches as the best rebounder among the bench unit, he could average a double-double. He has far more fantasy value off the bench than as a starter.

Wilson: Trail Blazers C Mason Plumlee stands an excellent shot at being an under-the-radar pick. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum missed 1,646 shots last season - an average of 20.1 (rebounding) chances per game. The strides Plumlee has taken are encouraging, and so is his age (26). He started all 82 games in 2015-16; if his minutes rise again, expect double-digit boards.

Ghatak: New Golden State Warrior Zaza Pachulia has a decent shot at averaging 10 boards thanks to his team's sheer offensive volume. Last year, the Warriors ranked third in shot attempts per game and fourth in rebounds. Pachulia showcased his rebounding abilities in the first half of last season, averaging over nine boards per game from November through to February.