HOW'S THE NBA GETTING AROUND THE Y2K BUG? BY AVOIDING IT

          The NBA said that "it is leaning against" playing any
     games on December 31, 1999, or January 1-2, 2000, because of
     caution over Y2K, according to Jackson & Morales of the
     MIAMI HERALD.  NBA VP/Media Relations Chris Brienza said due
     to the "uncertainty regarding the changeover to 2000" the
     league's "inclination is to be cautious."  Such a move would
     push back the Heat's opener at American Airlines Arena,
     which was scheduled for around January 1 or 2.  Heat
     President of Business Operations Jay Cross said that since
     the NBA "wants to discourage teams from traveling on those
     days," the team is anticipating playing its first game at
     the arena on January 3 or January 4 (MIAMI HERALD, 3/18).