The NBA is committed to playing at least a 70-game schedule in the current lockout-shortened season. During the lockout of 98-99, the league was unhappy with the 50-game schedule and wants to avoid a repeat of such an abbreviated slate of games.

David Stern has conveyed to the union that playing at least 70 games is necessary.

Marc Stein presents one scenario that could play out next week, breaking the logjam en route to an agreement both sides can live with: Billy Hunter could specify three modifications to the NBA's most recent offer that, if adopted by the league, would lead to union acceptance. A full vote of the players for ratification would immediately follow.