In the fantasy basketball world, Fisher hasn’t been much of an asset in the 2009 NBA playoffs. In seven postseason games, the point guard is averaging 9.6 points, 2.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the floor and 26.1% from beyond the arc.

The aspect that has hurt Fisher’s fantasy production the most is his three-point shooting. In the regular season, he drained 120 threes and shot 39.7% from downtown. Until he starts hitting from behind the three-point line, his fantasy value will remain limited.

In Game 3, expect the Lakers to play Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar at point guard. Brown is the player with a higher ceiling. So far in the playoffs, he’s averaging 6.4 points in only 16.1 minutes per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Farmer is only shooting 36.4% in the postseason and is averaging 2.5 points in seven minutes per game.

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As for Mason’s fantasy basketball value, it has been hit and miss lately. Since the return of Manu Ginobili, Mason is starting but he’s not getting the same amount of looks as he was earlier in the season. The good news is he’s proving a lot of three-pointers, shooting for a great percentage and help out in the assist department without turning the ball over too much.

Against the Lakers, Ginobili had his best game of the season. If you are a Ginobili owner, you have to be excited with how he played — especially through the first three quarters.

On top of all that, San Antonio’s two likely All-Stars are playing well. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker haven’t been fantastic over the last few weeks but they are steadily producing both for the Spurs and fantasy owners.

Here is the video of Roger Mason, Jr.’s and-one jumper against the Lakers that won the game:

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Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant hasn’t only been the best player on the Lakers all season, he’s been the best player in the NBA. He was named 2008 NBA MVP for a reason and he has repeatedly shown that reason throughout the playoffs. He’s averaging more than 30 points and approximately six rebounds and six assists per game in the playoffs.

Pau Gasol
In the steal of the century, the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies for a bunch of spare parts. Gasol has come to Los Angeles and has proven to be the missing piece. During the playoffs, he’s averaging 17.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom has never been the world’s most consistent player player but he has been quite consistent during the playoffs. He’s playing the best basketball of his career and seems to be thriving in the triangle offense. He’s averaging 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Derek Fisher
The Lakers needed a veteran point guard to run their ship and this past offseason they re-acquired Derek Fisher to do just that. Fisher has proven to be a steady hand who can play defense, hit the open shot and provide toughness. During the playoffs, he’s averaging ten points per game and is hitting 55.9% on three-pointers.

Photo: Newscom

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The back injury obviously limited Bryant in Game 4. The 2008 NBA MVP was 13-for-33 from the floor for the game. In the fourth quarter and overtime, Bryant was 2-for-13. The Los Angeles Lakers ended up losing to the Jazz in overtime and now stand at 2-2 in the best of seven series.

Although Bryant plans to play in Game 5, his effectiveness level won’t be known until after the game is underway. There’s a good chance that he’ll be close to 100% as the Game 4 injury could have just been isolated spasms. If Bryant isn’t 100%, the Lakers could be in jeopardy of losing a vital game in their series.

Injuries have been a season long story for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum is injured and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Trevor Ariza is also battling injury. Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol have been slowed at times due to injury.

Photo: Newscom

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So far, Fisher has obviously been hampered by his injury. If he can’t tough it out, the Lakers might be forced to shut him down for at least a couple weeks. Needless to say, this is more bad news for the Lakers on the injury front.

If Fisher can’t go any further, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic would get the minutes. Farmar would likely start but Vujacic would get a big boost in minutes as well. For fantasy basketball purposes, Farmar has the more all-around game and Vujacic is more of a three-point specialist.

Fisher’s minimal fantasy value has to be all but gone now. At any point in time, he could decide that he can’t play any further. If you want to take a flier on a player who can help you in a game or two down the line, look at Farmar and Vujacic.

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