NBA games lost yesterday: 9.

Total games missed: 308.

Earliest estimated date season can start: Jan. 22.

Projected player salary losses (through Jan. 22): $480 million.

Negotiations: Nothing scheduled.

Today's best canceled game: Houston at Dallas. The Rockets have beaten the Mavericks nine straight times.

Quote of the day: "Things can't be too critical or extreme in view of the fact that Commissioner Stern is planning a vacation in Aspen, Colo." -- Billy Hunter, union director.

Pub Date: 12/17/98