Fantasy basketball faceoff: Marc Gasol vs. Clint Capela

For more fantasy basketball coverage, check out theScore's 2018 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit, with player rankings and new content released daily.

Here's a look at whether you would be better off selecting Marc Gasol or Clint Capela in 2018 fantasy basketball drafts:

2017-18 Stats

The Case for Gasol

It was borderline depressing to watch Gasol as he tried to will the Memphis Grizzlies to victories last year. In the end, the team's run of seven consecutive playoff appearances never had a chance after Mike Conley's season-ending Achilles injury just 12 games in. Without his sidekick, Gasol struggled, posting the worst shooting numbers of his 10-year NBA career while the Grizzlies finished 22-60.

Conley's return and an improved supporting cast should benefit Gasol after he shot a woefully inefficient 42 percent from the field in 2017-18. We expect his output to more closely mirror the previous season, when he averaged 19.5 points on 45.9 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from deep on 3.6 attempts per game.

Keep in mind that Gasol will turns 34 in January, so it's a risky proposition to expect the three-time All-Star to return to peak form. But last year's debacle was still largely the product of his environment, as the Spaniard suffered through two coaches and a G League-level roster without Conley.

Best-Case Scenario: Gasol still has it, finishing with 47/38/80 shooting splits while averaging over 18 points, eight boards, and four dimes per game. And he's still one of the most versatile two-way centers in the league, averaging a combined 2.5 steals and blocks per contest.

Worst-Case Scenario: Father time remains undefeated. Gasol's numbers keep dipping as the franchise makes way for Jaren Jackson Jr. to take over the center position. And the Grizzlies' downward spiral continues, so Gasol doesn't see much action during the latter half of the season.

The Case for Capela

The Houston Rockets have given Capela three simple tasks: Score around the basket, get rebounds, and block shots. And he does all three of them as well as anyone in the league, finishing first in field-goal percentage (65.2), second in blocks per game (1.9), and eighth in rebounds per game (10.8) last season.

You can expect much of the same in 2018-19 from the ultra-efficient Capela, as he continues doing the dirty work for James Harden and Chris Paul. There's even reason to believe the 24-year-old's numbers could continue rising, as he's steadily improved in four major statistical categories in every season of his young career.

It's not crazy to envision Capela averaging 11 boards, two blocks, and one steal for fantasy owners, especially because Houston will likely play the Swiss center more than last year's 27.5 minutes per game after reconstructing the roster over the summer.

Best-Case Scenario: Capela becomes an All-Star, ranking in the top five in field-goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks while shooting above 60 percent from the free-throw line for the first time.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Rockets' new formula doesn't work after losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, forcing the team to play small ball more often than expected with P.J. Tucker at center and Carmelo Anthony at power forward. Capela's numbers take a slight hit due to inconsistent minutes.

Verdict

Capela is somewhat of a sure thing as long as he's available for 70 games. He's a safe pick if you're hoping for solid rebounding and defense, and only really hurts you from the free-throw line.

Gasol is almost the opposite. He doesn't post typical rebounding numbers for a top-tier center, but will provide steady 3-point shooting and an elite free-throw percentage. Although there's definite risk in drafting the aging big man, the high reward is worth the gamble.