For a drastic change and probably the first time in many year, if ever, the Black conference is the stronger conference from top to bottom. 5 of the 6 teams in playoff contention are averaging 300+ in their last 10 games. Zero can tout that claim in the White Conf. Not even Shawn. No longer is it Ernie & the rejects. There are 4 prior champs, including the reigning champ, all vying to add another trophy to their coffers. With 16 regular season games left (yes, seasons almost over...about a month left until the end of the regular season), should be a fun race for the bye rounds.

The White conference now looks like Shawn & the rejects with only 2 teams above .500. Hopefully late season and playoff health can make it a more competitive race.

***NOTE***: The trade deadline is 1/27 @ 6am (Site made it UTC for some reason so it converts automatically based on my time zone *shrug*).

Rankings:
1) Houston (LABeat) - (29-13, 300.4, LR = 6): LABeat warned me after the last rankings that he was coming. Then he kicked in the door and is now the second team in the league with a 300 avg.

2) Beijing (Shawn) - (28-14, 308, LR=1): If you're wondering if I purposely waited until Shawn didn't have the best record to do rankings...I'll say this, does moonlight shine a bats ass? Bigger question is, how do you go 1-4 in your last 5 with a 303 avg? He's very pressed this yr though. Making 177 transactions, 87 more than any other GM so he's REALLY trying to end his 13yr title drought.

3) Barcelona (TJT) - (28-14, 298.8, LR = 3): With Oladipo slated to return soon, TJT is the biggest threat to a Houston Beijing finals.

4) Los Angeles (RBO) - (27-15, 297.8, LR = 7): Defending champ is proving that last year was more about skill than luck. With Ben Simmons' usage increasing with Embiid out, could make a run for the #1 seed in the Black conference.

5) Tribeca (Ernie) - (26-16, 297, LR = 2): Ernie GOAT just lingering around like he always does. If he can stabilize his F rotation and get consistent C minutes, there's a good chance he could pull another Patriots type run out in the playoffs.

6) ChiESL (Commish) - (24-18, 291.1, LR = 4): The key to this teams potential success lies in a Duke F having an awesome second half of the season. Forgive me if I'm not as optimistic. *sigh*

7) Englewood (DVS) - (22-20, 286.1, LR = 9): DVS' squad is 8-2 over it's last 10 with 307.6 avg. Watch out for the dark horse.

8) Ozarks (Ceej) - (21-21, 284.7, LR = 8): Ceej's team has a 298.9 avg over the last ten and is looking for an Elevator division crown which is looking more and more likely by the game. Might have an outside shot at a finals bid too if this keeps up.

9) Ottoman (Theo) - (21-21, 273.2, LR = 5): I still think that with health, Theo's team is the most dangerous in the league. But will it ever be healthy enough to capitalize on its potential?

10)Waiters (DJR) - (20-22, 269, LR = 12): DJR's team is at 301.8 over it's last 5. A 4-1 stint. A return to health (mostly) has them back on track. Might be an upset or two in this teams future and it will surely scare a few GM's come playoff time.

11)Coney Isle (Dep. Commish) - (18-24, 264.9, LR = 14): Cenario doesn't have 1 player with a FPPM less than 1.10 on his team. Maybe it just needs a catalyst. Steph is slated to return March 1st which would conveniently place his first game as game 5 of the first round of our playoffs. Might be too late for C-Isle to recover by then.

12)Restown (Smerf) - (18-24, 256.6, LR = 15): Restown recently went on a run of 12 wins out of 13 games. Then his Paul's got hurt and he's struggled ever since.

13)Gonzo (Gonzo) - (18-24, 260.5, LR = 11): While Gonzo's team will probably make the playoffs. It'll likely be first round fodder unless it catches a break and meets an injury plagued team.

14)Magellan (Magilla) - (15-27, 271.2, LR = 10): Magilla's team is the worst in its conference. Surprise, surprise.

15)Washington (Basa) - (11-31, 232.1, LR = 16): ZION IS STARTING TOMORROW!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!

16)Atwater (Ryan) - (10-32, 233.4, LR = 13): How in the world has this team lost 15 straight games?


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Payment:
-Paypal to: paypal.me/auraginboi or emystery@yahoo.com
-Late payment penalty schedule:

Missed Oct deadline date = $4
No payment by Nov 30th = $4
No payment by Dec 31st = $4
No payment by Jan 31st = $4
No payment by Feb 28/29th = $4
No payment by Mar 31st = $4
No payment until the entire season is over = $25 total penalty

This would make the fee $85 at seasons end ($60 entry plus $25 penalty). All penalty money will go towards the pot and any additional monies would go to the winner in whole (no split for runner up).

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PAID:
1) RBO
2) Ryan
3) Ceej
4) TJT
5) Cenario
6) Basa
7) Theo (aka "A WHOLE FO' DOLLAZ?!!?)
8) Ern
9) DJR
10)Magilla ($64)
11)DVS ($64)

UNPAID/DEBT:
1) LABeat ($132, $60 for last yr, $72 for this yr)
2) Gonzo ($72)
3) Smerf ($72)
4) Shawn ($72)

You all missed the December 31st deadline so another $4 was added.
The penalty date is 1/31 by 11:59pm EST. If not paid by that time, another $4 penalty will be added.