NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE.(brief notes on National Basketball Association)(Brief Article)

WHO'S HOT

Heat SG Eddie Jones scored 31 points in three out of five games, leading the team in scoring in all five outings between December 22 and 30. "Maybe I should play that number in the lottery," Jones said. The scoring surge can be attributed to the fact that Jones is playing more aggressively, and coach Pat Riley has figured out how best to feed the ball to his prized offseason acquisition.

WHOS' NOT

Pacers SG Reggie Miller is coming unglued as his team falls further below .500. Miller fell apart in Miami last week with 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting before being ejected. The flagrant foul call that angered Miller was questionable, but it's more likely he was disappointed by his own performance, which has been spotty of late. Miller went 3-for-14 with 9 points in his next game, a loss to the Spurs.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

With SF Grant Hill out for the season pending ankle surgery, the Magic's scoring burden still firmly rests on SG Tracy McGrady. Through last weekend, the team was 6-2 when McGrady had 30 points or more and was 0-7 when he had 25 points or fewer. However, the Magic needs to find some production from other sources--or stronger defense. Orlando ...