Me: When is a four-game week not really a four-game week?
Geek: Hmmm. Let me get my protractor out for this one. Take the square root of four, divided by the sum of all even integers… carry the one… uh… Could you repeat the question?
Me: Listen, before you hurt your hypotenuse trying to figure this one out, I'll give you a hint. A team's four-game week is only statistically significant when it results in more games played and stats accumulated than other NBA teams.
Geek: Oh! So not all four-game weeks are created equal?
Me: Precisely! A four-game week is NOT a "four-game week" when EVERYONE has a four-game week! Get it?
Geek: Wow! You are a genius, Targan!

Back to reality: This week features 56 NBA games, the most so far this season, and 23 out of 30 teams have four-game weeks. Therefore, you must max out on games played this week, and you should not play anyone with two or three games unless they are an absolute every-week must starter. I'm going to assume that by now you know who your every-week starters are, so I will focus instead on which teams' four-game weeks are "more equal" than others.

[Weekly Strength of Schedule Rating, adjusted for home court advantage, in brackets]

Teams With Four Games

Detroit Pistons [51]
In the "rich get richer" category, the Pistons have the best of the four game schedules with contests against the Celtics, Hawks, Knicks and Rockets (minus Yao Ming). Leave the motor running with the NBA's best starting five: Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace.

Minnesota Timberwolves [51]
Like the Pistons, the T-Wolves are in the midst of four straight four-game weeks leading up to the All-Star break. The Wolves should feast on the East this week against the Knicks, Celtics, Pacers and Sixers. However, only in the deepest leagues would you consider starting anyone other than Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, Marko Jaric and maybe Eddie Griffin if you are desperate for blocks (16 swats but only 31 points in his past seven games).

New Jersey Nets [51]
The red-hot Nets face the Pacers and Sixers and finish with a double-dip against the Celtics. Always start Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson (if his back's okay). I would also roll the dice on Nenad Krstic this week (14.7 points on 57 percent shooting, but no blocks, his past three games), given the stat-fat opposition.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets [50]
The Hornets should sting the Bobcats, Grizzlies, Wizards and Knicks this week. Go with David West, Chris Paul and Speedy Claxton (16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 2.6 steals in 33 minutes over his past five games), who contributes with or without Paul in the lineup. It's best to rest P.J. Brown, J.R. Smith, Kirk Snyder and Desmond Mason.

Chicago Bulls [49]
While Chicago will likely remain the Unpredicta-Bulls as long as Scott Skiles is coach, based on my year-to-date numerical rankings, only Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and Chris Duhon are top 100 players (worth starting in 10-starter, 10-team leagues that count free throw percentage), leaving Darius Songaila, Ben Gordon, Tyson Chandler and Mike Sweetney on your bench, if on your roster at all. While it might surprise you that Gordon rates this low, his one-dimensional scoring talent (14.4 points per game this season) is undermined by his 40.3 field goal percentage.

Utah Jazz [48]
The Jazz are finally playing in tune as an 8-2 stretch takes them to the top of the Northwest Division. Utah plays the Clippers, Raptors, Nuggets and Cavs, but despite this favorable four-game schedule, it is hard to make a case for owning anyone other than Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur (16.8 points and 12.0 boards his past five games). Deron Williams still has potential, but bench him until he regains his starting job. The Carlos Boozer watch continues.

San Antonio Spurs [47]
Another team that lacks fantasy depth is San Antonio. Manu Ginobili (17.4 points per game his past five, as his minutes approach 30 a game) should rejoin Tim Duncan and Tony Parker as start-worthy Spurs this week, but it's more pine time for Rasho Nesterovic, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Robert Horry. The Spurs could face tough competition on the road in Memphis and Miami, but will love home-cooking against the Bucks and Nuggets.

Los Angeles Lakers [46]
Now, from the west coast, for your late night viewing pleasure, heeeeeeere's Kobe! Yes, it's the Kobe Bryant Show! Watch as Kobe knocks down jumpers and free throws on his way to nearly 50 points a night as he single-handedly keeps the Lakers in contention. Not to be overlooked is faithful sidekick Lamar Odom, nominated for best supporting actor. Occasional guest appearances by Smush Parker and Chris Mihm. The not-ready-for-prime-time players: Brian Cook, Devean George, Kwame Brown and Luke Walton.

Phoenix Suns [46]
The Suns should stay hot against the Kings, Clippers, Lakers and Sonics. Aside from top-10 talents Steve Nash and Shawn Marion, stick with Boris Diaw, Kurt Thomas, James Jones and Raja Bell (18.8 points in 44 minutes his past five games).

Indiana Pacers [46]
The Pacers face tough road tests in New Jersey and Minnesota, but should beat up on the Bobcats and Bulls at home. Indy has an unenviable 3-3-3-1 game schedule leading into the break, so enjoy this four-game week while you can. Jermaine O’Neal and Stephen Jackson are the only two active players averaging over 30 minutes a game this season, but keep an eye on Danny Granger (11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 blocks in 31 minutes his past five games) and Jamaal Tinsley (if his bicep's better). Sarunas Jasikevicius and Austin Croshere are barely worthy of roster spots.

Los Angeles Clippers [44]
An on-again, off-again rumored trade of Ron Artest for Corey Maggette would be a good change of scenery for both players, although Mags is still several weeks away from returning. After two consecutive two-game weeks, the Clippers should be well-rested and ready to rock with four straight four-game weeks, including four home contests this week against the Jazz, Suns, Mavs and Warriors. Activate Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley (23.6 points on 49 percent shooting his past five games) and Chris Kaman, but sit low-scoring Shaun Livingston (under five points a game his past five).

Washington Wizards [44]
Washington gets the Sixers, Magic, Hornets and Grizzlies, including three of four at home in the friendly confines of the MCI Center. Coach Eddie Jordan has been tinkering with the starting lineup, but Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison should get their stats no matter who starts. Despite Jamison's 18.7 points and 10 boards per game this season, his poor shooting (42 percent from the field and only 70 percent from the line) reduces his value somewhat. It could be time to cut bait with Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas, Chucky Atkins, Jared Jeffries and Antonio Daniels.

Toronto Raptors [44]
Toronto is having more success on the court, but their fantasy rotation has gotten short. Only Chris Bosh, Mike James and Morris Peterson are start-worthy as the Raptors hit the road for Utah, Portland, Seattle, and L.A. (Lakers). Charlie Villanueva's and Jose Calderon's minutes have dropped off a cliff. Jalen Rose has the occasional big game, but you're better off benching him, Matt Bonner and Joey Graham.

Denver Nuggets [42]
While Denver has struggled without Marcus Camby, there have been some nuggets of fantasy hope. Carmelo Anthony has elevated his game to a mile-high level, averaging 25 points on the season while shooting a respectable 46 percent from the field. Denver's three-headed point guard (Earl Boykins, Andre Miller and Earl Watson) average a combined 16 assists a game. Otherwise, not much help from Greg Buckner, gimpy-kneed Kenyon Martin, Francisco Elson and Eduardo Najera, although the latter two have nominal value with Camby out.

Charlotte Bobcats [42]
The Bobcats keep clawing but can't seem to stay out of harm's way. The Cat's roster is littered with injuries to Emeka Okafor (ankle), Kareem Rush (finger) and Brevin Knight (back spasms). While "Wallace X 2" gets more publicity in Detroit, Gerald Wallace is the fantasy find with 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 3.0 blocks on 54 percent shooting his past five games. Primoz Brezec should continue to produce with Okafor out, but the Cat’s schedule this week – the Hornets, Pacers, Magic and Bucks – is no fantasy feast.

Memphis Grizzlies [41]
After hosting the Spurs, Memphis hits the road for Oklahoma City, Philly and D.C. The Grizzlies are a solid 10-6 on the road and an amazing 16-5 versus the West. They don't get much attention playing in the shadow of San Antonio and Dallas, but despite being the third best team in the Southwest, their 22-11 record was the fourth best in the entire NBA as of Friday! While Pau Gasol (19.9 points) is the only big scorer, Shane Battier, Mike Miller and Eddie Jones have been solid starts all season, and Bobby Jackson should continue to grow in the point guard role in the absence of Damon Stoudamire.

Dallas Mavericks [41]
Warning: Forced rhyming alert! Dallas plays the Rockets, Clippers, Blazers and Bucks, but then has three straight three-game weeks, which sucks. Play Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard while the Mavs offense remains high-powered. Jerry Stackhouse should continue to score, but not much more, with Marquis Daniels' neck still sore. Most other Mavs you can probably drop; that goes for Keith Van Horn, Devin Harris, Adrian Griffin, Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop.

Philadelphia 76ers [40]
Philly faces the Wizards, Nets, Grizzlies and T-Wolves. Elton John may prefer his "Philadelphia Freedom," but unlike some other solo artists, the Sixers lead singer Allen Iverson has a great group of back-up vocalists behind him. Rock on with Chris Webber, Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver and Samuel Dalembert (12.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 67 percent shooting his past five games).

Houston Rockets [39]
The Rockets play the Hawks, Mavs, Bulls and Pistons. Juwan Howard's recent explosion (totaling 52 points and 27 boards in his past two games) can't last, but Rafer Alston (averaging nearly 20 points and nine assists his past three games) is for real. Check back (literally) on Tracy McGrady, and consider David Wesley and Luther Head in the meantime if T-Mac can't go. Yao Ming (toe) is still a couple weeks away which is too bad considering that Houston has four straight four-game weeks.

Milwaukee Bucks [39]
The Bucks have a tough row to hoe at Dallas and San Antonio, but should finish strong against the Hawks and Bobcats. Michael Redd is glad for the return of backcourt mate T.J. Ford, but now Maurice Williams' plantar fasciitis is acting up. Andrew Bogut is turning out to be the Bucks best big man; this week there are probably better bets than Bobby Simmons or Jamaal Magloire, who is shooting a dreadful 53 percent from the foul line.

New York Knicks [38]
Just when you thought it was safe to bury the Knicks, they have the best comeback since Lazarus and reel off six straight wins. I guess Larry Brown's finally got his guys playing “the right way." Still, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry (17.6 points, 8.0 boards and 54 percent shooting his past five) are the only picks to click this week, in what could be a rude return to reality as the Knicks play the T-Wolves, Bulls, Pistons and Hornets. Hold Channing Frye and Nate Robinson in reserve.

Sacramento Kings [36]
The Sad Sac Kings are facing some good teams at a bad time. The Suns and Lakers have clamped down defensively and the Magic and Heat are no treat either. Other than Brad Miller and Mike Bibby, you might want to pass on the Kings this week as Peja Stojakovic (bulging disk in back) could join Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Bonzi Wells on the shelf. Of the subs-turned-starters, consider Kenny Thomas (13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 61 percent shooting his past five) over Kevin Martin.

Boston Celtics [34]
The Celtics get two of the league's best defensive teams in the Pistons and T-Wolves before a home-and-home with New Jersey. Start Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis and Delonte West and rest Mark Blount, Al Jefferson and Raef Lafrentz.

Teams With Three Games

Orlando Magic [56]
When Steve "The Franchise" Francis gets suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, you know things are going South in O-town. (Apparently, Francis refused to re-enter a game with three minutes remaining, according to the Orlando Sentinel.) Start Jameer Nelson (averaging 23.4 points, 6.6 assists and 56 percent shooting his past five games), Dwight Howard if you need rebounds, and possibly Hedo Turkoglu, if Grant Hill can't go. The Magic does have the best of the three-game schedules this week with games against Washington, Charlotte and Sacramento.

Cleveland Cavaliers [47]
A three-game road-trip to Denver, Golden State and Utah makes it hard to start anyone other than LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Drew Gooden and Donyell Marshall have been playing well, but they would need some huge games to out-produce many of the four-gamers going this week. Damon Jones (6-for-39, a 15.4 field goal percentage his past eight games) couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.

Golden State Warriors [46]
Golden State gets Seattle, Cleveland and the Clippers. Jason Richardson and Baron Davis are the only sure starters. Troy Murphy's ankle might be bothering him a bit (10.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, but only 31 percent shooting his past five), and Derek Fisher and Mike Dunleavy are too inconsistent lately. Ike Diogu, your time will come.

Seattle Supersonics [45]
With only three games against the Warriors, Raptors and Suns, play Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, and give some rest and relaxation to the other "R-and-R" (Luke Ridnour and Vladimir Radmanovic).

Atlanta Hawks [41]
Atlanta hosts three home games but the Rockets, Pistons and Bucks could be unwelcome guests. Fly with Al Harrington and Joe Johnson but cage Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Tyrone Lue and ZaZa Pachulia.

Miami Heat [39]
Miami faces tough sledding (which is usually hard to do in Florida anyway) against the Lakers, Spurs and Kings. Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal should be your only Heat starters this week.

Teams With Two Games

Portland Trail Blazers [45]
With only two games when all else have four, I'd start no Blazers … Say no more.

*The weekly strength of schedule rating is computed based on each NBA team's opponents stats allowed which are assigned a 1-10 rating (1 = stingiest, 10 = most generous) in each of eight statistical categories: field goal percentage, free throw attempts, three pointers made, total rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and total points. Thus, each team receives an opponents stats allowed rating (OPP) between 8 and 80, with "44" being the median. Each NBA team's weekly rating (SOS) is derived by taking an average of their opponents' ratings for that week. Finally, the average rating is adjusted for home court advantage (+1 for each home game and -1 for each away game). Each NBA team’s offensive rating (OFF) is also shown.

Tony Targan is a fantasy expert for NBA.com. His column Jump Ball: A Look at the Week Ahead runs every Sunday as part of the NBA.com Premium Scouting Report. Contact him at Targan@TalentedMrRoto.com.

The views expressed by the TalentedMrRoto.com represent only the views of the writers; they do not represent the views of the NBA or any NBA team.