If you are playing playoff fantasy basketball, which players should shine in the NBA’s version of the Final Four? Here’s a look at the best players at each position:

C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
It seems like Howard and Stan Van Gundy are now on the same page. Superman will concentrate on rebounds and blocked shots while allowing his teammates to handle the scoring. Even though he probably won’t have any huge offensive outbursts, Howard is still a fantasy stud at this point.

PF Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
This is the weakest spot in the remaining NBA teams. Gasol is very talented but sometimes struggled against the Rockets. He has the highest ceiling of any remaining power forward but he could find it tough to produce against the physical Nuggets defenders.

SF LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
This is a no-brainer. LeBron is not only the best small forward in fantasy basketball right now, he’s by far the best fantasy basketball player. If he’s on your team, thank your lucky stars.

SG Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Now that Kobe won’t have to go against Shane Battier and Ron Artest, he could find some more room to breathe. That said, the Nuggets have been playing good defense as of late.

PG Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
Speaking of the Nuggets, whether or not they advance will likely depend on the play of Big Shot Billups. If he can continue is outstanding play, Billups could topple the Lakers … again, just like in 2004.

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2008 NBA MVP Kobe Bryant led the way with 39 points, as he once again proved he’s the best player in the world. He was ruthless in the fourth quarter and single-handedly sent the Spurs packing.

In the East, the Boston Celtics lead the Detroit Pistons 3-2. The Celtics will look to close it out on Friday in Detroit. If the Pistons win Game 6, the next and last game will be in Boston on Sunday.

Here is a video of the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers:

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This latest video shows Perkins dunking during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and then yelling to his teammates the phrase: “F— These Fools!”

As a fantasy basketball player, Perkins is getting better and better. While he was only a borderline fantasy player during the 2007-08 season, Perkins appears to be improving on a nightly basis. By next season, his stats should be good enough that he’ll at least be the level of a fantasy backup center. Down the line, he projects to be a player who could average 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game, while shooting a high percentage from the field.

Here is the Kendrick Perkins video:

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While obviously Garnett is a very good fantasy basketball player, Maxiell is starting to come into his own as a decent fantasy option. During the regular season, Maxiell averaged 7.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 53.8% from the field. He also blocks more than one shot per game and does a good job taking care of the ball.

With the series tied at 2, critical Game 5 will take place in Boston on Wednesday. The Celtics have only lost one game at home in the playoffs – which happened to be Game 2 against the Pistons.

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In Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, Billups had one of the worst games of his Pistons career. In 27 minutes, Billups had only six points and four assists, while shooting 1-for-6 from the floor. The Pistons ended up losing the game at home and now trail the Celtics 2-1 in the best of seven series.

Stuckey, on the other hand, was very good in Game 3. Stuckey, who is a rookie point guard who was drafted in the first round, played 27 minutes and had 17 points, four assists and four steals. In the playoffs, Stuckey has improved his numbers of his regular season statistics and may now be a better options than a hobbled Billups.

In Game 4, don’t be surprised if Billups sees more time on the bench and Stuckey sees more time on the court.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Expert Fantasy