Stats and analysis is based off the last 10 games played. (Feb. 23, 2012)

Obvious Leaders: LeBron James (MIA), Kobe Bryant (LAL) & Dwight Howard (ORL)

Rising Studs:

Marc Gasol (MEM/C) -- 15.7 ppg., 10.8 rpg., 4.0 apg., 2.9 bpg.

Sleepers

Kemba Walker (G/CHA) -- 11.1 ppg., 3.2 apg., 3.1 rpg.

Walker is coming off a sloppy game against Chicago, but had four consecutive games in double-digits last week, scoring 23 Golden State one night. Kemba remains as a guard to stay away from unless you have a set of stud guards to accompany him.

Samuel Dalembert (C/HOU) -- 9.0 ppg., 2 bpg., 7.9 rpg.

Points

1. Kobe Bryant – 324
   Bryant has made it clear he can still dominate defenders at the age of 33. His numbers are up this season, averaging 30.3 points compared to the 25.3 he put up nightly last season. Bryant is also averaging 5.7 assists and 5.9 boards along with his consistent scoring.
2. Kevin Durant – 279
   While being one of the league’s best scorers, Durant has also been sensational around the glass this season. He’s got a total of 31 rebounds in his last three games, and is also sprinkling in those assists and blocks for your fantasy club.
3. LeBron James – 267
   James has steered away from the three-point line, but still remains as a top 3 pick in any fantasy draft. This season he’s averaging 29 points, 7.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. His numbers have all risen from last year, making him one of the best players have on any fantasy team.
4. Carmelo Anthony – 239
   Anthony is coming off a sizzling outing against the Sixers last night in MSG. He’s putting up 26.6 points, 4.5 assists and 6.5 boards a night this season. Carmelo’s love for the three-point shot is definitely a plus, but he won’t bring home the needed rebounds and assists nightly for your team. Still, Melo is enjoying a solid season with New York, look for his numbers to slightly rise as the Knicks find their groove.
5. Kevin Love – 236
   Kevin Love is having another groundbreaking season when it comes to the numbers, averaging 23.6 points and 14.7 rebounds a night. This efficient starter will keep any fantasy team in the mix with his loaded numbers around the glass. The Wolves have lost four out of their last five, but Love’s numbers haven’t been effected.

Assists

1. Derrick Rose – 95
   Currently sidelined with a turf toe injury for Wednesday night’s game against Washington, Rose will have some much-needed rest. Chicago’s stud guard is back to business this year and looks faster and stronger than last season. Rose is a top shelf draft pick, averaging 20.7 points and 8.6 assists a game this season.
2. Jose Calderon – 89
   Calderon doesn’t fill up the board consistently when it comes to scoring, but can become a great bench guy for your fantasy team through his assists and scattered rebounds.
3. Steve Nash – 86
   Nash dishes out assists with ease, while also keeping up his shooting percentages all season long. Last week against Portland, the 37-year-old vet went 7-for-7 from the field, helping the Suns close in on a huge win over the Blazers. Nash is averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 assists per game this season.
4. Rajon Rondo – 84
   Rondo is averaging a double-double this season in points and assists, while also becoming the heartbeat of the Celtics’ offense. There are also some games where he’ll add some steals and rebounds along the way. Rajon remains as the young energizer for this Boston group, making him a valuable point guard to have.
5. Ricky Rubio – 79
   Rubio’s transition to the NBA has been a success thus far; with the 21-year-old putting up 10.2 points and 7.9 assists a night. His only problem can become the turnovers and the limited scoring he can give your fantasy group.

It's important to note that this shortened NBA season is still early and many of these surprise played could mellow out into their norms. Nonetheless, it won't hurt to point out some of the hot and cold playing of players around the league, especially the gems that fantasy owners squander to load up on.

• It may be obvious to a few that Houston's Kyle Lowry has evolved into a true weapon for the Rockets on a nightly basis, averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 boards and 10 assists a night. Lowry is certainly a decent add to your team if you're running with a star guard to begin with. His numbers should continue to remain steady with Houston's fast-paced offense and his lengthy playing time.
• Eric Gordon is now back from his knee injury for those curious to see his play in New Orleans. He played 39 minutes yesterday against the Sixers, dropping 22 points while grabbing six boards and three steals. Gordon is a solid two-guard that can fill up the stat sheet consistently. Look for Gordon's numbers to slightly rise while playing for a Hornets team that's dying for some scoring.
• Wizards' hybird forward, Andray Blatche put up another stinker in the team's 18-point loss to Orlando. Blatche ended up with 10 points off a 5-for-12 shooting night. The lanky 'power' forward for the Wiz is a player to stay away from when drafting, he's averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds this season for Washington, but he truly lacks the consistency.
• So far, the obvious locks when it comes to consistency are: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love and Blake Griffin.
• It was a treat to see James tear it up without his fellow sidekick Dwyane Wade last night against the Pacers. LeBron charted 33 points and 13 dimes in the dominating 118-83 win over the Hawks. Tonight on TNT, he'll be in an early grudge match against Atlanta, a team that gave Miami their first and only loss of the season on Monday. Wade's status remains uncertain heading into tonight meeting.
• The scoring-minded Kobe Bryant will head into tonight's marquee match up against Portland after hanging 37 points on the Rockets two days ago. The return of Andrew Bynum has given this Laker group some more life heading into the breaks of the season. Tonight's big meeting against the Blazers as a road team will truly begin to entail how the Lakers will do against their skilled rivals this year.
• Rubio, Love and Beasley will all be on the All Star ballot for Minny fans to flood their votes in after a surprising start. Love is currently a fantasy owner's dream, jacking (and making) several three's, while averaging ridiculous double-doubles through rebounds and scoring. Love is averaging 25.7 points, 15 rebounds, while shooting 42% from beyond the arc this season.

Leagues are now offered for the Wild Card round. Player salaries have been inflated by about 20% for the playoffs in order to expand the player pool and reduce overlap with fewer NFL games.