Looking for a spark for your fantasy team? Here are a few players making some unexpected noise:
Beno Udrih – You never know what Paul Westphal is going to do with his lineups. You could be in the starting lineup one day and out of it the next: as is the case with Donte Greene. However, these lineup changes mean opportunities for other players, and Beno Udrih appears to be the most recent beneficiary of Westphal’s changes. Udrih started in the backcourt alongside Tyreke Evans in Friday’s win over the Utah Jazz, and was a key part to their success. He dropped a season-high 25 points on an impressive 11-16 shooting. With Kevin Martin now out of the equation in Sacramento, their is certainly more time to go around in the backcourt. And while Westphal can be fickle about his lineups, you can be sure he’ll continue to keep Udrih involved as long as he keeps having big games.
John Salmons – With Michael Redd out for the season, and inconsistent play from Brandon Jennings, the Bucks offense has frequently sputtered. The Milwaukee Bucks then took action by making a move for John Salmons at the trading deadline. Not only did this trade help to stabilize the Bucks’ backcourt, it also brought winning ways to Milwaukee. Since acquiring Salmons, the Bucks have won six straight games…and it’s no coincidence. Salmons has averaged 18 points, three assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. He’s also started the last four games and will continue to be a key rotation player for the Bucks for the foreseeable future.
Robin Lopez – What’s gotten into Robin Lopez? 19 games ago, Lopez replaced the three-point-happy Channing Frye in Phoenix’s starting lineup. Since then, the Suns’ new physical presence in the paint has helped Phoenix win 14 of those 19 games. He has been a consistent shot-blocker, solid rebounder and efficient low-post scorer. In his 19 starts, Lopez has averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds and one block per game. Lopez had a career night against the Clippers on Friday, pouring in 30 points and snagging 12 boards. While Lopez’ game is still raw, he will continue to improve as he gains more experience on the floor. Being the fiery competitor that he is, you always know that Lopez will be bringing his best effort on any given night so he is definitely worth grabbing on your fantasy squad if available.
T.J. Ford – The most-frequent resident in Pacers’ coach Jim O’Brien’s doghouse this season has definitely been T.J. Ford. Although he started this season as Indiana’s starting point guard, his lackluster play at the end of December resulted in his demotion to the bench while Earl Watson would take his spot in the starting lineup. Not only did Ford’s role just get reduced, he collected one DNP-CD after another. Supposedly, he even danced at the possibility of getting traded away from Indiana, but the deadline came and went with Ford still a Pacer. A few strong performances off the bench this month have catapulted Ford back into the starting lineup. Interestingly, he is replacing center Roy Hibbert in the starting lineup and is playing alongside Watson in the backcourt. Ford has been aggressive on offense and seems hell-bent on forcing O’Brien to keep him on the floor. While Ford struggles with inconsistency (and injuries), he’s worth a look on your fantasy team while he is seeing big minutes for the Pacers.
