NBA games lost yesterday: 7.

Total games missed: 115.

Earliest estimated date that season can start: Dec. 22.

Negotiations: The sides will hold a formal bargaining session tomorrow.

Projected player salary losses (through Dec. 22): $298 million.

Today's best canceled game: Chicago at Houston. These teams have won the NBA's last eight titles (Bulls '91, '92, '93, '96, '97, '98; Rockets '94, '95). Would Michael Jordan have been with the Bulls? Would Charles Barkley have been back with Houston?

Pub Date: 11/19/98