31.   The Knicks figured to have the talent and the gumption necessary to at least extend the Bulls to perspire.

32.   The Patriots figured to have the best defensive team in the AFC East this year, but right now Miami is outdoing them in every defensive category.

33.   The Tigers figure to have a superb frontcourt.

34.   Then again, the Rangers, with all their talk about youth over the summer, did not figure to have a place for Flatley, either.

35.   They figure to have their share of highlights.

36.   Those developments figure to have an impact on trade talks this week leading to the nonwaiver trading deadline Saturday at midnight.

37.   With rivals like the Red Sox self-destructing, they figure to have a better chance against the former than the latter.

38.   With the addition of a solid rebounder like Horace Grant and an explosive guard like Isaiah Rider, the Lakers figure to have more opportunities to run.

39.   Without Victory Gallop, Real Quiet and NTRA Champions on Fox series points leader Behrens, the Pacific Classic figures to have a small, all-Californian field.

40.   With McNown in control, the Bruins figure to have a potent offense.