EASTERN CONFERENCE.(team-by-team analyses of National Basketball Association Eastern Conference)(Statistical Data Included)

Atlanta

SHOPPING HENDERSON? With PF Lorenzen Wright playing so well as Alan Henderson's replacement, the team must consider Henderson's trade value. Wright dearly can play the position, and with smallish SG Jason Terry emerging, the team needs a point guard with size. Henderson is on the injured list with a sprained shoulder, but he has been a consistent performer and a commendable teammate. Some teams might find him to be an asset--especially if paired with a draft pick.... Terry's challenge is to be more solid in the face of defenses making him a key player to contain. So far, he's playing under control. When double-teamed, he looks for teammates, which is sparking a more potent offense.... Wright brings energy and enthusiasm. When he's hitting 12-foot jumpers, it gives the offense more options.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: SF Roshown McLeod is playing with an assertiveness that gives the team hope he can be a factor and a permanent starter. He is showing little indecision, seeking his shot and taking the open jumper when it's there. McLeod says he has grieved about his mother's death and that he now is playing with a clear mind. Small forward has been the team's weakest position, with five players starting there. Rookie DerMarr Johnson is not showing the progress the team wants. --Curtis Bunn

Boston

BOARD WARRIOR: PF Antoine Walker has been dominating the boards with 17, 19 and 15 rebounds in three games last week. The emphasis on rebounding came from talks with coach Rick Pitino and other members of the staff. Walker says the only thing he's doing differently is giving rebounding more focus.... The team is looking to stabilize its point guard situation. But Pitino decided against putting Kenny Anderson on the injured list. After losing to Dallas, Pitino said Anderson needed time to get into shape. Two days later, he decided even an out-of-shape Anderson was better than no Anderson. So Anderson has been coming off the bench and playing his way into shape. Milt Palacio, almost purely a defensive presence, is starting in place of Anderson.... SF Adrian Griffin looks more like his old self of late. He will help give the team a boost off the bench if he continues his energized play.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Pitino is not pressing as much as he would like, but he is using the press to jump-start his team. The Celtics have the habit of falling behind early. When they come back, they usually are too tired to win the game. So when the team fell behind the Knicks, Pitino used the press in the first quarter. The added pressure helped the Celtics get back into the game before it was too late. --Shira Springer

Charlotte