Friday’s Game 81 turned into a health audit as 168 players missed action, including the Oklahoma City‑Denver showdown that lost its marquee names. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic both sat out, and every regular starter for the two clubs was also sidelined. The league-wide absentee list highlighted how teams are managing fatigue as the regular season wanes overall.

Denver still needs Jokic on Sunday to satisfy MVP and All‑NBA eligibility, while Oklahoma City preserves its No. 1 seed. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama reached the 65‑game requirement, exited, then returned to finish with 40 points, 13 rebounds in 26 minutes. Boston matched the NBA record with 29 3‑pointers, and the Warriors finally started Curry, Green and Porzingis together.

Atlanta clinched the 11th guaranteed spot, joining a Celtics‑led East where Detroit holds No. 1, Boston No. 2, New York No. 3 and Cleveland No. 4. The Hawks’ win secures either the fifth or sixth seed, while Charlotte slips to the play‑in, Orlando to the 7‑8 bracket and Miami to the 9‑10 game. Friday’s outcomes lock the postseason map as teams shift to final preparations.