Starting opportunities are considered a gold star when it comes to trust, even if that player is used as a decoy with another skilled player at the position coming off the bench. Starters have the most control over their destiny. A coach would be stupid to interrupt the flow of the game early on just to change the lineup. When you read player notes, if you see a lesser-known player starting, take the extra step and read between the lines to see why a certain player is starting, even on a short-term basis.

Jon Leuer PF/C DET-39% Ownership: You can never forget about impact players on the injured list and in just two games back we are already seeing Leuer back to form. He gets starts and is very effective from beyond the arc and at the elbow. He will provide help in every standard fantasy basketball category. When watching him, he looks very controlled when he gets the ball at the elbow and because Andre Drummond’s offense is limited to right inside, Leuer is often left open for kick outs when he is doubled inside. Leuer is a must add at this point as he has been a bit more dynamic than both Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris.

Willy Hernangomez C NY-21% Ownership: The Knicks are looking to rebuild and as they continue to struggle up front, it’s time for their youth to get the experience they need and Hernangomez has shown a ton of potential inside. He played 24 minutes in both of his last 2 games and grabbed double digit rebounds in both. Hernangomez has shown he has a few quick post moves inside, and he has been working on his outside game. Joakim Noah stinks on offense and Kyle O’Quinn has been inconsistent. Expect Hernangomez to start utilizing his mid-range jumper a bit more. He will also provide consistent help with steals.

P.J. Tucker SG/SF PHX-19% Ownership: The rotations commitment is there as Tucker has played over 30 minutes in 4 straight games and he can hit the knock-down three-pointer. Tucker has a post-game as well and that will help increase his scoring as the Suns lack consistent inside scoring weapons. Tucker has also posted two double-digit rebounding games in his last six and he is very good at shifting to right outside the paint once he either passes off or shoots. It allows him to still have positioning and not be called for a three second violation. It helps the Suns keep plays alive and being that Tyson Chandler taps the ball back outside a ton, Tucker is often there to receive the ball. Tucker is also a major help on defense and a pest on the perimeter. Expect him to help big time with steals.

JaMychal Green PF MEM-33% Ownership: Green is not 100 percent but the rotation commitment once again makes him add candidate. Green has played in 30 minutes or more in his last 3 games and he has been more of a rebound and steals help. At the start of the season, he was more of a scorer, but that has since changed. He is learning the game and can run the floor. He does post double-doubles infrequently. Green has had no fewer than seven rebounds in each of his last three games. Watch him until you see more consistency in scoring and then be prepared to add.

Andre Iguodala SG/SF GSW-24% Ownership: SHORT TERM ADD!! I cannot scream that any louder. Iguodala aka Mr. Intangible is on the floor for his perimeter play. He is a balance player that spreads the floor for the rest of his star-studded team. Iggy has grabbed at least six rebounds in each of his last three games and has dished a total of eight assists in his last two games. You can rely on him for steals and he will help a bit with blocks. Iguodala sees a lot of open three-pointers as he serves as Kevin Durant’s bail out option at the top of the key. He can hit the cutter inside and that will help him in the assist department. Playing time is never an issue for him. Pick Iggy up for small relief in rebounds, assists and steals, but be prepared to drop as top stat-line games are few and far between for him.

Patty Mills PG SAS-29% Ownership: Tony Parker is getting old and has been constantly hurt this year and the Spurs have been looking to their youth to provide relief. Mills is a good change of pace scoring option with a quick shot release and a quick drive. He plays very effectively both on and off the ball and frequently finds himself open. He is a strong outside shooter and will provide minor rebound and steals help on the defensive end. Even with Parker returning to the lineup, he is a lot slower and when the Spurs need to change that pace, Mills is looked upon. Kawhi Leonard being banged up also gives him more shot opportunities in the short-term.

Dejounte Murray PG SAS-7% Ownership: If the Spurs decide to limit Tony Parker’s role to preserve his help, Murray can see more playing time as he has proven he can both score and move the ball around. He runs the floor very quickly and sets up nicely at the elbow. Murray has scored in double figures in three of his last four games. Again, Kawhi Leonard’s hand being hurt has given Murray this audition. Murray has played over 20 minutes in his last 4 games and even provides minor rebounding help. This could be a short-term add as Parker is coming back and Leonard will recover, but the commitment he received has definitely turned heads because he can play and at the very least, he will attack the paint. Murray is also a long-range shooting threat.

Ivica Zubac C LAL-12% Ownership: The Lakers virtually have nothing to play for and being that Timofey Mozgov is a detriment to the team post-20 minutes, Zubac will start to get more time. Zubac has posted three double-doubles in his last five games and did not need a lot of playing time to fill up the stat sheet. Zubac recently had two three-block games in his last five, showing that he is not afraid to bang around underneath. The Lakers are in full rebuilding mode and Zubac has shown that he has starting potential in the future and the Lakers will let him find style and form and we are seeing more of a commitment pre-All-Star break.

Kelly Oubre Jr SF WSH-3% Ownership: Oubre’s three-pointer has been on point lately as he has scored in double figures in four straight games. The Wizards offensive formula is very simple 70 percent of the possessions, Wall will drive and everyone else needs to find their spot on the perimeter and elbow and be ready for a cross-court kick out pass when Wall is doubled or even tripled. Oubre has played over 20 minutes in 7 straight games. Oubre will also provide help with rebounding and steals and his defense has been much better. He moves a lot like Otto Porter does when facing screens to avoid losing his defender on the perimeter. Expect Oubre to get more involved in the rotation.

WILD CARD PICK UP: Noah Vonleh PF-1% Ownership: The Blazers have struggled up front and are looking for a consistent secondary interior scorer and the combo of Mo Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu and Ed Davis (currently hurt) have not been getting the job done to help Mason Plumlee in the post. Vonleh has had five straight games in which he grabbed five or more rebounds and he has received starts for his efforts. Vonleh has scored in double figures in two of his last five games and he does have a small outside game. Teams know to double team Plumlee in the post and Vonleh should see a lot more open shots. Vonleh has been rebounding consistently and helps out with steals. His defense will keep him in the game more thus giving him more opportunities to produce.