Dec. 12 -- To start this week’s column, I’d like to serve up a “baker’s dozen” of the top 13 players you’d be lucky to have on your fantasy roster based on the season’s first quarter, as most NBA teams have now played about 20 games. If the season ended today, my fantasy MVP would be Marcus Camby, hands down. His 13.9 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 17.3 points and excellent shooting percentages makes him not just the best fantasy center, but the #1 overall player.

Given his injury history, you might want to sell high, but it is hard to trade a player who is having a career year. The rest of my “fantasy” fantasy team would include (in order): LeBron James, Elton Brand, Paul Pierce, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki, Gilbert Arenas, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Other than Camby, not too many surprises here, although Brand and Lewis have made the biggest jumps. Notably absent are Kobe Bryant (still adjusting to Coach J), Vince Carter (not as dominant with Richard Jefferson back), Shaquille O’Neal, Andrei Kirilenko, and Tracy McGrady (who get “incompletes” due to injuries).

This week has a heavy schedule, with 16 of 30 teams playing four games. Within each team, I’ve listed individual players generally in order of their fantasy worth, regardless of position.

Team	WK	H	A	vs.	vs.	vs.	Vs.	RTG	OPP
Detroit	4	2	2	UTA	SAC	CHI	CHA	51	27
Atlanta	4	2	2	CLE	PHI	NY	DEN	50	51
Golden State	4	1	3	SEA	HOU	TOR	NJ	49	37
New Jersey	4	3	1	WAS	CHA	DEN	GS	48	50
Miami	4	0	4	CHI	MIL	PHI	CLE	48	36
Milwaukee	4	2	2	NY	MIA	BOS	UTA	48	61
New York	4	3	1	MIL	ORL	ATL	IND	47	53
Denver	4	0	4	CHA	CLE	NJ	ATL	46	49
Philadelphia	4	3	1	MIN	ATL	MIA	TOR	45	51
Chicago	4	2	2	MIA	TOR	DET	BOS	44	51
Dallas	4	4	0	LAL	PHO	ORL	MIN	42	33
Utah	4	2	2	DET	POR	IND	MIL	42	45
Houston	4	0	4	GS	SEA	LAC	LAL	40	39
Minnesota	4	2	2	PHI	SAC	SAN	DAL	40	29
Phoenix	4	1	3	NOK	DAL	NOK	MEM	40	44
LA Lakers	4	2	2	DAL	MEM	WAS	HOU	39	47
Indiana	3	1	2	BOS	UTA	NY		51	37
Boston	3	2	1	IND	MIL	CHI		50	57
Toronto	3	3	0	CHI	GS	PHI		49	57
Portland	3	2	1	UTA	SEA	WAS		49	41
Cleveland	3	3	0	ATL	DEN	MIA		48	45
Washington	3	1	2	NJ	LAL	POR		45	44
Charlotte	3	2	1	DEN	NJ	DET		43	55
New Orleans	3	2	1	PHO	LAC	PHO		43	41
San Antonio	3	2	1	LAC	MIN	SAC		40	24
Seattle	3	2	1	GS	HOU	POR		40	56
LA Clippers	3	1	2	SAN	NOK	HOU		34	37
Sacramento	3	0	3	MIN	DET	SAN		24	51
Memphis	2	2	0	LAL	PHO			48	41
Orlando	2	0	2	NY	DAL			41	31

[Opponents’ Average Composite Rating, adjusted for home court advantage, in brackets]

Detroit Pistons [51]
After a two-game week, the Pistons should be ready to fire on all cylinders. Detroit enjoys the fantasy-friendliest schedule versus the Jazz, Kings, Bulls and Bobcats. Rasheed Wallace has been a multi-category monster with 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 three-pointers, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.4 blocks and 82 percent from the line. Ride with Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace, but park Maurice Evans and Antonio McDyess.

Atlanta Hawks [50]
It’s hard to get too excited about anyone other than Joe Johnson and Al Harrington (who had a recent season-high 35-point game), but in a four-game week you could consider specialists Salim Stoudamire (points), Josh Smith (blocks) and Zaza Pachulia (rebounds). Sit Josh Childress, Marvin Williams and Tyronn Lue.

Golden State Warriors [49]
The well-rested Road Warriors should raid and pillage Seattle, Toronto and New Jersey, and also host Houston. Go into battle with Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy and Baron Davis (if you can tolerate his errant shooting – 33 percent from the field and 67 percent from the line). Consider Derek Fisher (27 minutes, 2.6 threes and 13.0 points in his past five games) and Adonal Foyle (consecutive double-doubles), but not Mike Dunleavy.

New Jersey Nets [48]
With three of four home games against the Wizards, Bobcats, Nuggets and Warriors, it should be a net gain for New Jersey’s fantasy ledger. Invest in Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson (9.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 18.8 points on the season), Vince Carter and Nenad Krstic. Divest Jeff McInnis and Cliff Robinson.

Miami Heat [48]
A four-game road trip to Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Cleveland should not cool off the Heat. Only a lack of threes and mediocre percentages keeps Dwyane Wade (6.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 25.8 points) out of my fantasy top 13. The return of Shaquille O’Neal will impact Alonzo Mourning and alter the current team dynamic, so try to be patient with Jason Williams, James Posey, Antoine Walker and Udonis Haslem until things shake out.

Milwaukee Bucks [48]
Bet your bottom dollar on the Bucks backcourt: Michael Redd, Maurice Williams (19 points, 7.4 assists, 2.2 three-pointers in 36 minutes in his past five games) and T.J. Ford. The frontcourt should have more minutes to go around with Joe Smith out, so consider Bobby Simmons, Andrew Bogut and Jamaal Magloire despite their recent inconsistency.

New York Knicks [47]
The Knicks host the Bucks, Magic and Pacers and visit Atlanta. Channing Frye’s excellent shooting (52 percent from the field and 86 percent from the line) should solidify his spot in the rotation despite a recent Eddy Curry sighting. Jamal Crawford has been wildly inconsistent but is worth a shot this week, as is Stephon Marbury (though Starbury is getting more free throws than field goals lately). Condolences to Quentin Richardson, who is mourning his brother’s death.

Denver Nuggets [46]
A four-game road trip to Charlotte, Cleveland, New Jersey and Atlanta should be a fantasy bonanza for the Nuggets. Marcus Camby is The Man, and Carmelo Anthony and Andre Miller (21 points and nine assists over his past five games) continue to shine. Consider Earl Boykins but mind Kenyon Martin’s knee. Disgruntled Voshon Lenard is on the trading block.

Philadelphia 76ers [45]
Philly has a bi-polar week ahead: Positive energy against the Hawks and Raptors and a negative reaction from the Heat and T-Wolves. Stay charged up with Allen Iverson, Chris Webber and Samuel Dalembert (averaging over 10 boards and three blocks since his return), but ground Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver and John Salmons. Drop Steven Hunter with Samuel D back.

Chicago Bulls [44]
The Bulls also face feast or famine this week: Rapture vs. the Raptors and Celtics, but likely defeat vs. Detroit and the Heat. I’m bullish on Kirk Hinrich (if his headache’s gone), and as I predicted last week, Luol Deng has arrived (23 points, 8.3 rebounds and shooting 56 percent in his past four games). I’m bearish on Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon (knee), Andres Nocioni, Tyson Chandler (breathing problems) and Mike Sweetney.

Dallas Mavericks [42]
Dallas is the only team with four home games, but the Lakers, Suns, Magic and T-Wolves won’t be gracious guests. Always ride with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry (if his hamstring’s okay). Marquis Daniels and one week wonder Adrian Griffin could get major minutes until Josh Howard returns. You can probably do better than Keith Van Horn, Devin Harris (unless Terry misses time), Erick Dampier or DeSagana Diop.

Utah Jazz [42]
It’s hard to get too jazzed about Utah’s chances in a week when they face Detroit and Indiana, but the Blazers and Bucks should be better bets. Play Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams for sure. You might take a flyer on Matt Harpring (19 points, 7.3 boards in 32 minutes in his past four games), but bench Greg Ostertag, Gordon Giricek, Jarron Collins and Devin Brown.

Houston Rockets [40]
A four game west coast trip to Golden State, Seattle, and L.A. (Lakers and Clippers) is on the Rockets docket. Tracy McGrady could be distracted by the impending birth of his son. The Yao Ming dynasty ruled with 30, 25 and 29 points in consecutive games. Luther Head remains viable while Rafer Alston’s out, but Derek Anderson and David Wesley are the only other (barely) playable Rockets.

Minnesota Timberwolves [40]
The Wolves could go hungry against the Spurs and Mavs, but the Sixers and Kings offer some tasty treats. When it comes to automatic starters, Kevin Garnett-it and forget it. Wally “World” Szczerbiak has been in orbit with 24 points on 63 percent shooting in 39 minutes his past four games. Marko Jaric is up and down but could play more depending on Troy Hudson’s knee. Eddie Griffin’s recent 14-point, 11 board, eight block game shows his vast potential.

Phoenix Suns [40]
The Mavs, Grizzlies, and Hornets (twice) could dim the Suns, but you’ll still have fun with Steve Nash, Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw (6.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.3 blocks on the season) in your lineup. Kurt Thomas is a rebounding machine with 14.2 boards over his past six games. Leandro Barbosa’s return could cut into James Jones’ and Raja Bell’s time.

Los Angeles Lakers [39]
The Lakers have the worst of the four-game weeks vs. the Mavs, Grizzlies, Wizards and Rockets. Jump with Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, a resurgent Smush Parker and maybe Chris Mihm. Dunk Devean George, Luke Walton and Brian Cook.

Indiana Pacers [51]
The Pacers get a taste of the best three-game schedule vs. the Celtics, Jazz and Knicks. Jermaine O’Neal’s the real deal with 22 points, 10.6 rebounds and two blocks a game this year. Injuries to Ron Artest (wrist) and Jamaal Tinsley (groin) could open the door for Sarunas Jasikevicius, Stephen Jackson (note his recent 30-point outburst) and even Danny Granger.

Boston Celtics [50]
Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis are Boston’s best, but Delonte West continues to impress with four rebounds, four assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks this season. In a crowded frontcourt, Mark Blount and Al Jefferson may be movin’ on up at the expense of Raef Lafrentz and Kendrick Perkins.

Toronto Raptors [49]
Three home games against the Bulls, Warriors and Sixers moves Toronto onto your fantasy radar, but only Chris Bosh is a must-start. Depending on your needs, consider Mike James (points), Morris Peterson (threes), Charlie Villanueva (some of everything) and Jose Calderon (assists), but not Jalen Rose.

Portland Trail Blazers [49]
The rich get richer and the poor get Portland as Darius Miles’ knee surgery douses the Blazers’ hopes. With Miles away for a few weeks, Zach Randoph should pick up the scoring slack, but Sebastian Telfair’s assists (4.2) might drop. Joel Przybilla has been more productive lately while Theo Ratliff’s lame. Time for Ruben Patterson to put up (stats) or shut up.

Cleveland Cavaliers [48]
The Cavs have three home games against the Hawks, Nuggets and Heat to warm the cockles of your fantasy heart. Start LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden. Sit Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones and Eric Snow. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Cleveland is in the midst of nine straight three-game weeks, so barring injuries, this should be the status quo until mid-January.

Washington Wizards [45]
After hosting the Nets, the Wizards go west to visit the Lakers and Blazers. Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison are always a win-win situation, but Caron Butler been inconsistent lately (two 27-point and two two-point games in his last seven). Consider Brendan Haywood and Jarvis Hayes (averaging 35 minutes and 15 points in his past two), but not Jared Jeffries or Antonio Daniels.

Charlotte Bobcats [43]
The Nuggets and Nets are offset by a date with Detroit. Brevin Knight has been the Bobcats lone bright spot while Kareem Rush (finger) mends. In their past five games, Gerald Wallace (10 points on 43 percent shooting) and Emeka Okafor (nine points on 29 percent shooting) have been struggling. Sit Melvin Ely, Primoz Brezec and Keith Bogans.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets [43]
The Hornets could get stung in two games with the Suns and one with the Clippers. Chris Paul (5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 16.0 points on the season) and David West (19 points on 53 percent shooting in his past four) are steady starters, but sit down P.J. Brown, Speedy Claxton, J.R. Smith and Desmond Mason.

San Antonio Spurs [40]
The Spurs will D-up against the Clippers, Wolves and Kings. No matter what the opposition, just keep plugging in Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who bounced back in style with a 27-point game. Unless you’re in a very deep league, sit Bruce Bowen on your bench and cut all other Spurs (trust me, you won’t miss Michael Finley and his 37 percent shooting).

Seattle Supersonics [40]
Both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis made my top 13 list, which I swear had nothing to do with their being on my fantasy team. Luke Ridnour has been in a nice rhythm and Vladimir Radmanovic is coming off a 23-point night if you could use his two three-pointers a game. Sit Nick Collison and Ronald Murray.

Los Angeles Clippers [34]
The Clippers get a true test against the defensive-minded Spurs, Hornets and Rockets. Elton Brand (10.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 24.9 points on 57 percent shooting this season) is behind only Camby and LeBron in my quarter-season rankings, but he’ll need help from Corey Maggette (foot), Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley to prove that these are not just Paper Clips. Sit Chris Kaman if you have other options at center.

Sacramento Kings [24]
The Kings have road games in Minnesota, Detroit and San Antonio -- the three toughest fantasy opponents this season! If you ever want to rest your Kings, this would be the week, but if you don’t have better options, I rate their fantasy royalty in this order: Brad Miller, Mike Bibby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Peja Stojakovic and Bonzi Wells.

Memphis Grizzlies [48]
Just two home games against the Lakers and Suns means you should probably shun all Grizzlies. Given the number of teams (16) with four game weeks, you should have better options than Shane Battier, Pau Gasol and Eddie Jones. Definitely sit Damon Stoudamire, Mike Miller, Bobby Jackson and Lorenzen Wright.

Orlando Magic [41]
Two on the road in New York and Dallas means a non-Magical week. Other than maybe Steve Francis, sit Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and Deshawn Stevenson. Stash Grant Hill on your bench until he’s ready to play significant minutes.

Tony Targan is a fantasy expert for NBA.com. His column Jump Ball: A Look at the Week Ahead runs every Monday 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.