Today is November 1st and basketball fans who have been watching the calendar know that tonight would have been Opening Night in NBA. Instead of watching the Dallas Mavericks get their championship rings and then play the Chicago Bulls on TNT, however, the lockout has forced me to watch other shows on television this fall.

Thankfully, there is a lot of good programming outside of the NBA, both on TV and in the Bloomington South Lifetime Fitness, where it is Week 5 of the Fall 2011 season. In fact, I have been watching so much television that my favorite TV shows are starting to remind me of my favorite UH rec basketball teams.

Since it is the middle of the season anyway, let's take a look at each team's place on the fall lineup.

16. The Raptors

Record: 0-4

Reminds Me of This TV Show: The Walking Dead

Much like the zombies that are chasing Rick Grimes and his family, the Raptors have played lifeless basketball so far this season. On certain plays, especially when there is a chance to get a rebound, an onlooker wouldn't be foolish for thinking rigor mortis had set in amongst the Raptors' big men. In four games, Raptor opponents have grabbed a whopping 70 more rebounds.

They have also had trouble shooting from the floor (38%) and shooting from downtown (32%) and their defense has rarely held teams under 70 points, despite leading the league in team blocks (thanks to Jordan Jensen).

This week, they play The Bulls, who have two of the better rebounders in Bloomington South in Grant Dudinsky and DeAngelo Purnell. It is sure to be a gore-fest.

15. The Blazers

Record: 0-4

TV Show: The Simpsons

Remember when the Simpsons used to be one of the best shows on television? If you're under 13 years of age, probably not. But back in the early-to-late 90s, you could hardly do better for comedy than the Simpsons. Now? They have joined a long line of classic TV shows - like Saturday Night Live and Friends - that went on longer than they should have.

Once upon a time, the Blazers used to be pretty good, too. They made the playoffs a few times, and while they never got that close to a Gold Cup, they were a tough game on the schedule. This season? They just lost to the previously-winless Panthers to go 0-4 on the year.

Things will not get any better for the Blazers this week, as they'll take on a tough Riddlers team. Unless the Blazers can get a team of ringers together - and get them to shave their sideburns - it could be a rough one this week.

14. The Bulls

Record: 1-3

TV Show: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

During the first three seasons of the show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will's Aunt Vivian was played by actress Janet Hubert-Whitten. In season four, Hubert-Whitten was replaced by a different actress, Daphne Maxwell Reid, but the show carried on the character of Vivian with viewers supposed to ignore the difference.

The Bulls have also had a rotating cast of characters this season in Bloomington South. From Nate Weaver and Mike Wiskus - who started in Week 1 but have not appeared in a game since - to the last-minute additions of Dudinsky and Purnell, this team has appeared quite different over the course of four weeks.

Given that they are trying to come back to make the playoffs from an 0-3 record, The Bulls better hope the new changes work out for the best.

13. Panthers

Record: 1-3

TV Show: 2 Broke Girls

2 Broke Girls is a brand new sitcom that has been drawing surprising critical acclaim in its first season. The cast is solid, but since the show has been going up against competition like Dancing With the Stars every night, not that many people have noticed it.

The Panthers, meanwhile, have played better than most people would have predicted early on in the season. Sure, they only have one win and it was over the Blazers, but they had a close game against the Tropics and held their own for a while with the Thundercats.

Both the show and the team might be a little bit predictable with their material, but things could be worse. Although with St. Baul, the Riddlers and the T-Pups in the next three weeks, worse is a likely outcome.

12. Inception

Record: 1-3

TV Show: Six Feet Under

Inception is a team that already had one shining moment in Week 1 with a win over the Raptors. With Clem's Kidz and the Blazers coming up in back-to-back weeks, it is possible that the team could have 3 wins at the end of the season. If that happens, they would be a bubble playoff team, but that is likely the best case scenario, and in the playoffs it would be an almost-certain first round death.

Six Feet Under is a show that deals with death in its many different forms and varieties through the eyes of a family that runs a funeral home. While death may be inevitable - whether by a heart attack or by a playoff loss - the way in which the journey towards that finality is completed will ultimately define the life of that person or the life of that team.

Inception - a team full of likable players - can show a lot to the league by playing up to their potential over the next four weeks and going into the playoffs with confidence. They could die off early or they could go strong until the final buzzer.

11. Clem's Kidz

Record: 1-3

TV Show: Welcome Back Kotter

Welcome Back Kotter may not rank near the top of any "Best TV Shows of All-Time" list, but the show has been remembered for almost 40 years because of some quality moments and a future star named John Travolta.

With no disrespect to Gabe Kaplan (Mr. Kotter), Travolta was a star amongst the regular cast of Welcome Back Kotter. Even watching the re-runs, you can tell that Travolta was meant to be a star. This is much in the same way that Benjamin Wagner - who currently leads Bloomington South in PPR average this season (28.5) - stands out on this Clem's Kidz team, despite their below average record.

After a rough Winter 2011 season, Bloomington South has welcomed the Kidz back this season and they achieved their first win in franchise history. While they are unlikely to get any more wins - although they still play Inception and the Blazers - maybe their Sweathogs will perform that catchy theme song for us one time.

10. Timberpuppies

Record: 2-2

TV Show: The Office

Just as The Office (the U.S. version) has been one of the best sitcoms on television - not just recently, but of all-time - the Timberpuppies have been one of the best teams to ever play in Bloomington South. They've both had some great regular cast members throughout the years - like Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski for the Office and Sean Ball and Kyle Wenzel for the T-Pups - and both have had a number of terrific guest appearances over the years.

Still, in their best years, the T-Pups relied heavily upon Marcus Marshall to help earn them Gold Cups, UH records and many of the accolades that they have received and continue to be revered for by fans and opponents. Without Marshall - just like the Office without Michael Scott - it will be difficult for the Timberpuppies to ever again match their highest level of play.

Still, both T-Pups' games and Office episodes are entertaining enough to be marked on the calendar. A one-point loss to St. Baul is nothing to be ashamed of and the smart money still has the T-Pups playing in the later rounds of this season's playoffs.

They take on a scrappy Huskies team this week and should be able to get their third win of the season.

9. Thunder

Record: 2-2

TV Show: Survivor

In order to win big in Bloomington South, a team cannot simply be 'good'. There are far too many talented teams and competitors to let a 'good' team get very far. Just like on the show Survivor, being 'good' will get you a ticket home, even if that team manages to make it to the playoffs.

The Thunder are a good team. They've had solid games against Clem's Kidz and Inception, but couldn't get wins against the Huskies and Riddlers. I still expect the Thunder to get into the playoffs but if they want to make any noise in the postseason, they'll need to step up their game from merely being 'good'.

That means it will not be enough to beat the Raptors and hope to squeak into a play-in game with a 3-5 record. Being better than 'good' will mean beating teams like the Blue Chips and Tropics. Otherwise, there is a good chance their flame will be extinguished early.

8. Huskies

Record: 2-2

TV Show: House of Payne

If you're like me and most of my friends, you've never seen an episode of Tyler Perry's House of Payne and probably underrate it. Did you know, however, that House of Payne held the record for basic cable's highest rated sitcom - with 5.9 million viewers - for over a year? Even when it lost that record, it was beaten by another one of Mr. Perry's TV shows, Meet the Browns.

I've never heard anyone, including Mr. Perry, describe House of Payne as being a better quality show than other cable programs like Breaking Bad or the Sopranos. Yet, those who look at the numbers should know better than to overlook Mr. Perry and his talent.

The same can be said for the Huskies. Yes, their talent level is not as high as the top contenders in Bloomington South. Given the number of shooters and overall scorers that they have on their team, however, no team should take the Huskies for granted. Josh Hoyle, Heath Stoll and Lawrence Barnes are all capable of 25+ point games and Ronnie Olson has been the best rookie of the season in Bloomington South.

They probably will not win tomorrow night against the T-Pups, but it is not as impossible as it might seem at first glance.

7. Blue Chips

Record: 2-2

TV Show: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire is a show that was written and produced by Terence Winter - who previously worked on The Sopranos - and has many other actors and crew members who are notable from other gangster movies and TV shows, including Martin Scorsese, Steve Buschemi and Michael K. Williams.

While the show is critically acclaimed and has received strong viewership, it still falls short in comparisons to the previous works of those notable names, especially The Sopranos.

Similarly, the Blue Chips have brought together an impressive collection of talent, including Peter Mortenson, Jason Briggs, Sam Halverson and Keilon Riddley. Yet, the Chips - despite also having success in Bloomington South and being acclaimed as a solid playoff team - are not up to the level of teams like the Rebels and St. Baul.

They only lost to the Riddlers by 4 and destroyed the Raptors by 40, but ultimately, both the team and Boardwalk Empire are destined to be above-average competitors to greater talents.

6. Tropics

Record: 3-1

TV Show: Baywatch

So far, the Tropics' schedule - much like the typical work day of Mitch Buchannon - has been a light run on the beach. Their 3 wins have come against the Blazers, Panthers and Inception - teams that have only two wins between them - and their only loss came to the Lakers. They have yet to face a single playoff team from last season.

That nice and easy schedule will change this week when they go up against the Rebels. Much like when the earthquake shook Baywatch headquarters at the end of season 1, and the lifeguards had to run for cover, the Tropics will be lucky to only lose by 20 points tomorrow night. This game will be over faster than Yasmine Bleeth's career.

Still, after the T-Pups in Week 6, the Tropics get to finish their season with the Raptors and the Thunder. A 5-3 record and an automatic playoff berth is achievable.

5. Thundercats

Record: 3-1

TV Show: Glee

The musical comedy-drama Glee has been one of the most popular shows on television for the past three years, mostly thanks to the strong individual theatrical performances from its stars like Chris Colfer, Lea Michele and Jane Lynch. This ensemble cast is often as good as it gets and is the reason why the show's ratings have crushed the competition.

Similarly, Chris Maher, Noe Mendez and Derek Batiste bring their own star power and strong individual performances to the Thundercats. Along with solid role players like Ben Boeding and Chris Mayer, they have had three double-digit wins and one overtime loss to the best team in Minnesota rec basketball. When everyone is healthy and engaged, this team has the talent to beat anyone. Unlike the Avengers, Boeding and Kyle Radde give them the size they need to compete with the other big men in Bloomington South.

The Thundercats will have the Lakers and St. Baul in the next two weeks, followed by the Thunder and the Raptors. I would expect a 3-1 record at worst over this stretch and they certainly have the talent to beat St. Baul.

Despite last week's loss, Don't Stop Believin' in the Thundercats, who are a true Gold Cup contender this season.

4. Riddlers

Record: 3-1

TV Show: House

Dr. Gregory House, the title character of the medical drama, is cantankerous and unorthodox, which has led to much conflict between him and his colleagues. Despite these qualities, House also has a stalwart rationality and is considered to be one of the best doctors on the show and one of the best characters on television.

If you took a poll amongst players throughout Ultimate Hoops, the Riddlers or their players would not win any popularity contests. Some of that is blamed upon the antics of players during the game, but I suspect that much of it is also based on the fact that the Riddlers continue to be successful season-after-season, despite their approach.

Their players are cunning and enjoying picking other teams apart by exploiting their biggest weaknesses. GM Nick Roell is one of the smartest people to ever be associated with Ultimate Hoops and he has made many teams - even those with more talent on paper - lose.

The Riddlers have the Blazers and Panthers the next two weeks, which should be two easy wins. The Bulls and T-Pups will provide tougher challenges to end the season.

3. Lakers

Record: 3-1

TV Show: The Wire

Despite being one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of all-time and a cult favorite, The Wire been overlooked when award shows have been handing out nominations. The show has only two Emmy nominations, and no Emmy victories, which makes it one of the most underrated TV shows in history.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that the Lakers are one of the most underrated teams in Ultimate Hoops history, but I would say that this team has yet to receive its due from most people who pay attention to the league. This is despite a 3-1 record with wins over the Tropics and Huskies and the team's only loss coming at the hands of St. Baul.

The Lakers have a quality scorer in Justin Martin who works the corners of the court like Bodie worked the corners of Baltimore, and one of the best rebounders in the league in Kevin Craft, who controls the paint like Avon Barksdale controlled the East Side. The team also has a squad full of smart role players who have been around the league for many years.

Whether they can challenge teams like the Thundercats and Rebels remains to be seen, but this team could easily finish 5-3 by the end of the year.

As they say, the game is the game.

2. St. Baul

Record: 4-0

TV Show: American Idol

In 2010, after its ninth season, American Idol was the most watched TV series for the sixth year in a row, which beat the previous record of five seasons in a row by The Cosby Show. Clearly, this show has had a tremendous impact not only on the television industry, but also on the industries of music and movies.

Similarly, St. Baul has been extraordinarily successful during its years as a franchise and this season, the team has yet to lose. They have had close calls with the Riddlers and T-Pups, both of whom they defeated by three points or less - but like American Idol, they remain on top of the standings (tied with the Rebels).

St. Baul will face more tough challenges as the season progresses. After an easy game against the Panthers this week, the team takes on the Thundercats, Huskies and Rebels to end the season. They could potentially go anywhere from 3-0 to 0-3 over that stretch and how they finish up will tell us a lot about their playoff chances.

The great thing about St. Baul is that - like American Idol - they have depended on scoring from multiple sources. Five played average double-figure scoring and no player averages more than 18 points per game, which means that opposing teams cannot simply double team Ryan Samuelson or stack the paint against Andrew Klobe.

There are so many ways for this team to beat you that whether you're a fan of transition basketball, a post-up game, deep threats or lock-down defense, you can find it on this team. If they ever get fully healthy, even the Rebels will have a tough time beating this team.

1. Rebels

Record: 4-0

TV Show: Mad Men

In terms of a combination of viewership and critical acclaim, no television series on any network has matched that of Mad Men over the past few years. Led by the witty Don Draper, who often spends his time in smoke-filled lounges, and bolstered by a sharp and talented staff, the staff of Sterling Cooper (or Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) is one of the most impressive teams on television.

Similarly, the Rebels have been led by one of the smartest basketball minds on the planet, Joe Neuenfeldt, and have a talented group of players led by the reigning playoff MVP Paul Ferber. Although they were given a tough test in Week 4 by the Thundercats - which could've gone the other way if it weren't for Derek Batiste sitting out the final minutes of overtime - the Rebels remain undefeated.

I don't imagine the Tropics, Lakers or Blue Chips will pose much of a problem for the Rebels, whose only remaining tough game is in the final week against St. Baul.

Meanwhile, Dustin Dupont has been the runaway favorite for MVP so far this season. He's averaging 13-8-8 so far this season with almost 5 steals. The only negative you could point out about Dupont so far this season would be his three-point shooting (2-of-12 or 17%), but his defense is good enough to make up for that and then some.

At the mid-point of the season, title #3 appears to be within reach for the Rebels, and like Mad Men, their reign as the best team in rec basketball remains in tact.