NBA games lost yesterday: 8.

Total games missed: 217.

Earliest estimated date season can start: Jan. 1.

Negotiations: Talks resumed yesterday in New York with full committees representing owners and players -- with Michael Jordan in attendance.

Projected player salary losses (through Jan. 1): $330 million.

Today's best canceled game: Toronto at New York. Charles Oakley, the heart and soul of the Knicks for 10 years, returns to Madison Square Garden.

Quotable: "Maybe something has changed, but right now I can't be very optimistic. We've taken a few [steps] back since our last meeting, so we'll see." -- Russ Granik, deputy commissioner

Pub Date: 12/04/98