Tuesday's negotiating session between NBA owners and players is shaping up as a make-or-break day as the two sides try to work out a new deal.

The two sides made progress on several issues in meetings the last three days, according to sources.

But with the current deal set to expire on June 30, Tuesday's session is expected to go a long way in determining if there will be a July 1 lockout, or if a deal can be reached in the coming days.

Trying to remain upbeat, Stern reiterated deputy commissioner Russ Granik's statement issued on Friday that "significant progress" had been made for the first time in months.