NBA games lost yesterday: 8.

Total games missed: 123.

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

Negotiations: The sides will hold a formal bargaining session today. It will be the first time in more than three weeks that each side's full negotiating committee will be present.

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

Today's best canceled game: Knicks at Clippers. On what was to be Los Angeles' only appearance on national TV, viewers would have had a chance to see No. 1 draft pick Michael Olowokandi while also hearing the cheers of transplanted New Yorkers drown out the Clips' faithful.

Pub Date: 11/20/98