They've answered that in a major way. Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green remain a fantastic inside-outside duo. Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams have provided a solid veteran presence. Amen Thompson has continued to develop into a two-way menace. Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. provide length and floor-spacing.

Thursday features six games on the schedule, with several key seeding matchups and clinching scenarios to monitor throughout the evening.