Who’s hot and who’s not?

HOT

Kobe Bryant
In Game 6 against the Nuggets, Bryant had arguably his best game of the 2009 NBA playoffs. He shot the ball well, passed the ball well, rebounded with authority and avoided turnovers. Next to LeBron James, Bryant is the best thing going in the fantasy basketball world.

Pau Gasol
Next to Bryant, Gasol is the best player on the Lakers. He’s extremely talented and he can rack up fantasy stats in a hurry. While he’s not quite Kobe, he could very well be the best fantasy power forward still alive in the postseason.

Lamar Odom
About a week ago, Odom appeared as if he were stuck in a funk. Now, Odom is playing very well. He just completed his second straight positive outing and should be primed for a big finals.

Trevor Ariza
These playoffs have introduced Ariza to the world. The starting small forward for the Lakers is a good shooter who can stuff the stat sheet in multiple categories.

Shannon Brown
If you want to located a sleeper on these Lakers, look no further than Brown. In his spot minutes, he’s played well more often than not. His energy is helping Los Angeles in their march to a championship.

NOT

Andrew Bynum
He’ll have a good game here and there but Bynum just isn’t a very dependable option in these playoffs. He’s definitely oozing with talent and has a bright future — but that future doesn’t appear to be now.

Derek Fisher
The ol’ gunslinger for the Lakers appears to be running about of bullets. He’s not shooting accurately at all and isn’t doing much else to impact the stats.

Sasha Vujacic
Last year, Vujacic was a decent fantasy basketball option in the playoffs. This year? Not so much. He’s basically a shooter that can’t find his range at this point.

Luke Walton
Bill’s son is having a tough time in these playoffs. He’s dealt with injuries and inconsistent minutes. Can he turn it up in the 2009 NBA Finals? Don’t hold your breath.

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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.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

If you are playing playoff fantasy basketball, these two games could hold a lot of meaning for you. Which players could shine in their Game 7 contest?

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
After the Magic lost Game 5, Dwight Howard had a meltdown. He basically blamed the loss on not getting the ball enough. Howard got the ball a lot in Game 6 and expect him to get the ball a lot in Game 7.

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
When it comes to big times and big moments, Paul Pierce is usually the Celtics player who steps up. He has had some bad moments in this series but expect him to go off in Game 7.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Is there any doubt who the Lakers will go to in Game 7? Kobe Bryant could very likely end up with 40 or more points as the Lakers battle for their playoff lives against the Rockets.

Luis Scola, Houston Rockets
Without both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, Luis Scola is now arguably the best player on the Rockets. In Game 6, he dominated the action early on in the ballgame and helped the Rockets force a Game 7.

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Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
Going up against the Los Angeles Lakers, Aaron Brooks has a definite speed advantage against Derek Fisher. Expect him to have the ball a lot and he should have a good series.

Rafer Alston, Orlando Magic
The Magic will need Alston to defend Rajon Rondo on the Boston Celtics. With those extra minutes, Alston could have a few big games along the way.

Delonte West, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Atlanta Hawks are quick and fast, which will result in more minutes for Delonte West. He should get plenty of looks from beyond the arc.

Chris Anderson, Denver Nuggets
Everyone loves the Birdman. Against the Mavs, he should be able to put up quality fantasy basketball stats — especially in blocked shots.

Chris Andersen, Denver Nuggets (Image: Newscom)

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Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets (Image: Newcom)

Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
During the regular season, Billups was very good. In the postseason, he’s taken his game up another level. He’s been simply amazing in his first two outings as a Nugget during the playoffs.

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Filling the void left by an injured Kevin Garnett is point guard Rajon Rondo. He’s a certifiable star at this point and his numbers in the fantasy world are just sick.

Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Quietly, the Spurs have shifted to become Parker’s team. On a night to night basis, whether or not San Antonio has success is tied to Parker’s play.

Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
Williams has a difficult matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers but he’s done well in his first two outings. Returning to Utah for Game 3 and Game 4, he should be even better.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Usually Paul is easily the best fantasy point guard in the NBA. In the playoffs he is struggling a little bit relatively speaking but his stats are still very, very good.

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Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
For much of this season, Josh Smith disappointed. He was either gimpy, unhappy or unmotivated. Whatever the case may have been, Smith is back at the top of his game and has a chance to be a fantasy beast in the playoffs.

Glen Davis, Boston Celtics
With Kevin Garnett out for the entire NBA playoffs, Glenn Davis is now the starting power forward for the Celtics. While he’s not nearly as good as Garnett, he’ll get a lot of minutes and he’s capable of putting numbers on the board.

J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs have a number of quality players but J.J. Barea is a sleeper who could decide how well Dallas does in the postseason. He’s been called the Puerto Rican Steve Nash and there’s good reason.

Shannon Brown, Los Angeles Lakers
Not long ago, Shannon Brown was deep on the bench for the Lakers. But after impressive play, Phil Jackson has moved Brown up the depth charts and now he’s playing a healthy amount of minutes as the backup point guard.

Shannon Brown Video:

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1) LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Far and away, LeBron is the best fantasy player on the planet right now. Especially in the playoffs since his road to the NBA Finals looks like it’s clear sailing due to Kevin Garnett’s injury.

2) Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe is basically the LeBron of the Western Conference bracket. He has a great chance to make it back to the Finals and should post great numbers along the way.

3) Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
In the first round of the playoffs, the Heat are forced on the road to take on the Hawks. Wade is undoubtedly leave it all on the line and could help Miami pull the upset.

4) Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
With Garnett out, expect Pierce to show the heart of a champion. He’s going to come out blazing and his all-around game will be on full display.

5) Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets might be a seventh seed on paper but CP3 is going to put up great stats for however long the Hornets remain in the playoffs.

Chris Paul 2009 mix:

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WESTERN CONFERENCE

1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8) Utah Jazz
The Lakers are the overwhelming favorites and should have an easy time against the slumping Jazz.

2) Denver Nuggets vs. 7) New Orleans Hornets
If the Hornets can get healthy, they could pull the upset against the good but not great Nuggets.

3) San Antonio Spurs vs. 6) Dallas Mavericks
These two Texas teams are sure to put on a show for our viewing pleasure.

4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. 5) Houston Rockets
The Blazers have homecourt advantage and should be able to handle the Rockets.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8) Detroit Pistons
The Cavs had the best record in the NBA and should make short work of the Pistons.

2) Boston Celtics vs. 7) Chicago Bulls
Even with a gimpy Kevin Garnett, the Celtics should beat the Bulls.

3) Orlando Magic vs. 6) Philadelphia 76ers
Neither team has been overly impressive lately, although the Magic should win handily.

4) Atlanta Hawks vs. 5) Miami Heat
The Hawks have the depth but the Heat have by far the best player in Dwyane Wade. Expect Wade to come out victorious.

Dwyane Wade 2009 highlight reel video:

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