With the All-Star break now upon us, this season's stars have once again separated themselves from the rest of the pack in terms of consistent production. The household names (LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul to name a few), are putting up the numbers we all expected and living up to their expectations as top picks in most fantasy leagues. There have been some surprises, namely Amar'e Stoudemire's ascent to perhaps being the most valuable fantasy power forward, as well as some disappointments (Tyreke Evans). However, so far, this fantasy basketball season has unfolded relatively closely to how we all expected.

In the weeks leading up to All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, several players have caught the eye of fantasy owners for their increases in production. Most notably, Trail Blazers' forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging 32 points per game to go along with 7.5 boards over his last six contests (all Portland victories). Aldridge has reached the thirty point plateau in four of those games, including a dominant 42-point, eight rebound performance in a win over Chicago. With star guard Brandon Roy sidelined due to chronic knee problems, Aldridge has taken over the brunt of the scoring load and emerged as one of the league's best young forwards. He leads all fantasy scorers over the past seven games and ranks as the twelfth most productive player overall, according to ESPN.com.

Nuggets' (for now) forward Carmelo Anthony has, by all accounts, put all of the attention surrounding his request to play elsewhere behind him, as he has gone on a scoring binge lately, putting up at least 28 points in five of his last six games, including a 50-point explosion versus Houston. With New Jersey now emerging as his most likely destination, his scoring barrage should only continue, as he will be the Nets' undisputed No. 1 scoring option. In addition to scoring and free throw shooting, Melo offers fantasy value as a rebounder (nearly eight boards per game); however, his lack of assists and sometimes sporadic field goal percentage may diminish his value to some owners.

For fantasy owners looking to improve defensively, Grizzlies' guard Mike Conley is a potential option. The former Ohio State star is leading the league in steals over the past seven games at well over three per game, and also offers formidable rebounding. With OJ Mayo falling out of favor with Coach Lionel Hollins, Conley is likely to receive the majority of the minutes at point guard. Though he is a pedestrian offensive point guard (13 points per game, 7 assists per contest), his defense and high field goal percentage make Conley a valuable fantasy asset.

For teams in need of a center to boost rebounding and defensive statistics, attempting to trade for a big-name player like Dwight Howard may not be the answer. While Howard cleans up the boards at a high rate and is a virtual lock for a double-double every night, his lack of assists and poor free throw percentage hurt his value. Howard is also liable to get into foul trouble, which decreases his minutes and, thus, his statistics. In terms of three-point shooting, Milwaukee Bucks forward Carlos Delfino is a solid option. He is owned in fewer than 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues, but is good for two three-pointers per game. His percentage from downtown (33 percent) is by no means stellar, but Delfino has the ability to go off any night, as evidenced by his seven three-pointers Monday versus the Clippers.

One player owners may want to stay away from is New Jersey Nets' center Brook Lopez. While his scoring is enticing (19 points per game), his rebounding numbers are pretty weak for a starting center playing significant minutes. Through 57 games, Lopez has recorded a whopping three double-doubles. Three. To put it into perspective, he is being out-rebounded by the great Ersan Ilyasova, who is playing nine fewer minutes per game. If Lopez can find a way to improve his rebounding numbers, his fantasy value will increase significantly, though his first half statistics are not exactly promising.

The NBA All-Star game and trade deadline are rapidly approaching, which means it is that time of year when fantasy owners need to make a few last minute moves if they plan to win their league's bragging rights for the entire offseason.

Earlier today the All-Star rosters were finalized and 24 deserving players punched their tickets to Los Angeles for the Feb. 20 game. For all fantasy owners, a sense of pride takes over when a player you drafted is deemed an All-Star, unless that player happens to be Yao Ming. Nevertheless, the more All-Stars you have on your team, the more wins you have probably tallied up so far. However, players without the names Durant, Garnett, Bryant and James have made All-Star type contributions to their teams this year. Even thought they lack league-wide recognition, these players need to be on your fantasy roster before your team is ready to win a championship.

In debates over the best point guard in the league, the names Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose are always the center of conversation. It is no coincidence that these four are also on the 2011 All-Star roster. Forgotten amongst these big names is Golden State Warriors point guard Monta Ellis. Averaging a league-best for point guards at 25.1 points per game, Ellis is a versatile scorer who has stuffed the stat line on numerous occasions this year, including tying his career high with 46 points against the Houston Rockets.

Not considered the most "giving" point guard in the game, Ellis leads the league in number of field goals attempted (964), yet still manages a shade under six assists a game. He may not win an NBA Championship, but his productivity will surely help you win a fantasy one.

One of few bright spots for the Rockets this year has been the play of Kevin Martin (shooting guard). Fulfilling his role as a long-range threat, Martin has the third-most three-point field goals made, and also ranks No. 1 in free throws with 370. On a nightly basis, Martin scores 23.1 points per game and maintains the potential to drop 45 as he did earlier this year against Portland. Martin manages to stay healthy and shows up to play every night, starting in 49 games this year. He is a nice addition to any fantasy club, and you should make a trade for him before it's too late.

Missing out on the first six weeks of the season, Bulls forward Carlos Boozer has battled back from injury, regained a starting role, and has dominated the paint ever since. Averaging a double-double with 19.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, Boozer has solidified himself as a new force in the Eastern Conference. If he is not on your team yet, he needs to be soon, as Boozer will only continue to get better as he becomes more accustomed to the Bulls' offense. But, with Joakim Noah still rehabbing, the stage is set for Boozer to put up big numbers in the coming weeks.

All-Star centers this year consist of future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, NBA Champion Pau Gasol, and defending NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. Left off this list is Milwaukee Bucks Center Andrew Bogut, who may play for a lackluster franchise but puts up competitive numbers on a nightly basis. Leading the NBA in blocks with 2.8 per game, Bogut has solidified himself as a top defensive center and still averages a double-double with 13.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

In his first game coming back from injury, Bogut had 31 points and 18 rebounds in helping the Bucks snap Orlando's six-game winning streak earlier this season. He consistently puts up big numbers in every stat category, and with a healthy Brandon Jennings, you can expect this seven-footer to see a lot more passes thrown his way.

Robbed of an All-Star appearance and still the best fantasy player of the year is Timberwolves forward Kevin Love. Love scored 30 points and snatched 30 rebounds in a game this year, the first time that has been done since Charles Barkley in 1996. He has also recorded a double-double in every game since Nov. 19. Averaging 21.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game, Love continues to lead the league in every rebounding category possible. The All-Star snub could be worth trading two All-Stars if owners have a chance to add him to their fantasy roster.