EASTERN CONFERENCE.(brief notes on National Basketball Association's teams and tournaments)(Statistical Data Included)

Atlanta

BASELINE OPTION: SF Roshown McLeod's productive play has given Jason Terry a reliable scoring outlet although Terry was moved to shooting guard, which has given him the freedom to be the natural scorer he is, the offense still revolves around him. So when he uses dribble penetration to get into the lane and draw a second defender, he's confident McLeod can take a pass on the baseline and make a 15-foot jump shot ... Coach Lon Kruger almost feels like he must have PG Matt Maloney on the floor. Maloney has settled into the starting position, providing a sense of calm as the offense functions much more smoothly than earlier in the season. And it really helps that he's hitting the perimeter shot Backup Anthony Johnson has been energetic and tough in a limited role.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: C Dikembe Mutombo insists he finally has regained his strength and timing in the wake of a bout with malaria, and it's showing in his play. He's the finger-wagging Mount Mutombo again, rejecting shots when opponents think they have a clear layup or dunk. Kruger hardly can get Mutombo any rest because he's so important to the team. He has responded to Kruger's challenge to dominate games with his defense, rebounding and blocked shots. In doing so, Mutumbo has kept the Hawks in games when their offense struggles. --Curtis Bunn

Boston

BOARD WORK: The Celtics must improve their rebounding. For a while, PF Antoine Walker was on a tear on the boards, but his production has slowed. Boston often fails to get crucial rebounds late in games, especially on the offensive end. Coach Rick Pitino says it's not a matter of who his team faces, but where his players position themselves.... The center tandem of Tony Battie and Vitaly Potapenko has worked out better than expected. They simply need to stay out of foul trouble. Battle uses his long arms to help the Celtics get second chances: He also has better hands this season, catching crisp passes beneath the basket and not wasting opportunities by bobbling the ball.... The bench lacks scoring punch and puts pressure on the starters to produce offensively. It also is plagued by inconsistency. The performances of SFs Adrian Griffin and Eric Williams, in particular, have been up and down.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: In the fourth quarter, the Celtics simply must play smarter basketball. They have a tendency to take ill-advised 3-pointers and rush shots at the end of games. Also, each player tries to win the game all by himself, often barreling into bad situations and not looking to pass. The team is not experienced enough in close games to stay patient within the offense in the final minutes of play. The Celtics must develop patience and good judgment --Shim Springer

Charlotte