Games lost yesterday: 6.

Total games missed: 69.

Earliest estimated date that season can start: Dec. 15.

Negotiations: Nothing scheduled. Commissioner David Stern and union director Billy Hunter were expected to speak by phone last night or this morning.

Projected player salary losses (through Dec. 15): $250 million.

Today's best canceled game: Minnesota at Seattle. The Timberwolves were to return to Key Arena for the first time since losing the deciding Game 5 in the first round of the playoffs last April.

Pub Date: 11/12/98