NBA In-Season Tournament: West Group C Preview [Schedule/Rosters]

The NBA In-Season Tournament is a thrilling addition to the basketball calendar, providing fans with exciting matchups and a chance for teams to prove their mettle in mid-season showdowns. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the West Group C of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. This group comprises five teams: the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs. Let’s take a closer look at each team and their prospects in the tournament.

Overview of West Group C

West Group C in the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament is an exciting mix of teams with unique storylines. It features two California rivals, the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors, who clashed in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, promising intense competition.

Adding to the intrigue, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder met in the final game of the AT&T Play-In Tournament to secure the No. 8 seed, providing them with a chance to shine in a different setting.

The San Antonio Spurs, a lottery team from the previous season, secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, selecting Victor Wembanyama to rejuvenate their franchise.

Notably, West Group C boasts four 2022-23 All-NBA selections, including Shai Gilgeous Alexander (OKC), Stephen Curry (Warriors), and De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis (Kings).

In group play, the Golden State Warriors dominated with an 11-4 record, while the Timberwolves finished closely behind at 10-6. The Sacramento Kings also posted a positive record at 8-7, making them the only other team in the group to do so. Here’s the standings breakdown:

Team	vs. GSW	vs. MIN	vs. OKC	vs. SAC	vs. SAS	Total	Win pct.
Golden State Warriors	x	2-2	3-1	3-1	3-0	11-4	0.733
Minnesota Timberwolves	2-2	x	3-1	3-1	2-2	10-6	0.625
Sacramento Kings	1-3	1-3	3-0	x	3-1	8-7	0.533
Oklahoma City Thunder	1-3	1-3	x	0-3	3-0	5-9	0.357
San Antonio Spurs	0-3	2-2	0-3	1-3	x	3-11	0.214

Now, let’s delve into each of the five teams in West Group C, exploring their offseason moves, key players, and expectations for the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament.

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors, a four-time NBA championship-winning team, couldn’t defend their 2022 title and finished sixth in the Western Conference during the regular season. They had a successful run in the playoffs by eliminating the No. 3-seeded Kings in the first round but were eventually ousted in the conference semifinals by the No. 7-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.

In the offseason, the Warriors made several key changes, with the most significant being the appointment of Mike Dunleavy Jr. as the new general manager. This change marked the end of an era for Bob Myers, the architect of the Warriors’ dynastic run.

Another major move was the acquisition of Chris Paul through a trade with the Wizards. Paul’s addition gives the Warriors another talented guard to join the renowned Stephen Curry-Klay Thompson backcourt. His expertise in the pick-and-roll could potentially elevate the Golden State offense.

The Warriors also secured the future by re-signing Draymond Green to a reported four-year contract, maintaining the core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green. Coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of integrating Paul and other newcomers like Cory Joseph, Dario Saric, and first-round pick Brandin Podziemski swiftly to compete effectively in the group play of the In-Season Tournament.

Golden State Warriors Rosters

Name	POS	Height	Weight
Stephen Curry	PG	6′ 2″	185 lbs
Usman Garuba	PF	6′ 8″	229 lbs
Draymond Green	PF	6′ 6″	230 lbs
JaMychal Green	F	6′ 9″	227 lbs
Andre Iguodala	F	6′ 6″	215 lbs
Trayce Jackson-Davis	F	6′ 9″	245 lbs
Cory Joseph	PG	6′ 3″	200 lbs
Jonathan Kuminga	PF	6′ 7″	225 lbs
Anthony Lamb	F	6′ 6″	227 lbs
Kevon Looney	F	6′ 9″	222 lbs
Moses Moody	SG	6′ 5″	211 lbs
Chris Paul	PG	6′ 0″	175 lbs
Gary Payton II	SG	6′ 2″	195 lbs
Brandin Podziemski	G	6′ 4″	203 lbs
Lester Quinones	G	6′ 5″	205 lbs
Dario Saric	PF	6′ 10″	225 lbs
Klay Thompson	SG	6′ 6″	220 lbs
Andrew Wiggins	SF	6′ 7″	197 lbs

The time has come.
Mark your calendars. pic.twitter.com/I2R15z5npL

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 15, 2023

Golden State Warriors Schedule

Offseason Summary (as of Aug. 10):

• Players re-signed: Draymond Green, Lester Quinones (two-way)
• Players added (via free agency): Cory Joseph, Dario Saric
• Players added (via trade): Chris Paul (from Wizards)
• Players added (via 2023 NBA Draft): Brandin Podziemski (19th overall), Trayce Jackson-Davis (No. 57)
• Players lost: Jordan Poole (traded to Wizards), Ryan Rollins (traded to Wizards), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (traded to Wizards), Donte DiVincenzo (signed with Knicks), Ty Jerome (signed with Cavaliers, two-way)
• Remaining free agents: JaMychal Green (UFA), Andre Iguodala (UFA), Anthony Lamb (UFA)

The Warriors enter the tournament with a blend of experienced stars and new additions, aiming to reestablish themselves as contenders.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a significant move by acquiring Rudy Gobert, a three-time Kia Defensive Player of the Year, to pair with their star big man, Karl-Anthony Towns. However, injuries limited the Towns-Gobert duo to just 529 minutes of playing time, making it challenging to assess their effectiveness.

Apart from evaluating this key pairing, the Timberwolves also have to manage their frontcourt depth, including Naz Reid, who signed a multi-year extension in the offseason. Reid provides valuable insurance in case Gobert or Towns faces injuries.

Anthony Edwards, an emerging star, earned his first All-Star selection in his third season and signed a contract extension. Representing Team USA at the FIBA World Cup during the summer, Edwards is poised for a prominent role. The transition from All-Star to superstar status could be on the horizon for him.

Minnesota Timberwolves Rosters

Name	Position	Height	Weight
Nickeil Alexander-Walker	SG	6′ 5″	205 lbs
Kyle Anderson	SF	6′ 9″	230 lbs
Troy Brown Jr.	SF	6′ 6″	215 lbs
Jaylen Clark	G	6′ 5″	205 lbs
Mike Conley	PG	6′ 1″	175 lbs
Anthony Edwards	SG	6′ 4″	225 lbs
Luka Garza	C	6′ 10″	243 lbs
Rudy Gobert	C	7′ 1″	258 lbs
Vit Krejci	F	6′ 7″	195 lbs
Jaden McDaniels	PF	6′ 9″	185 lbs
Jordan McLaughlin	PG	6′ 0″	185 lbs
Shake Milton	SG	6′ 5″	205 lbs
Josh Minott	F	6′ 8″	205 lbs
Wendell Moore Jr.	G	6′ 5″	215 lbs
Daishen Nix	SG	6′ 4″	226 lbs
Jaylen Nowell	SG	6′ 4″	201 lbs
Naz Reid	C	6′ 9″	264 lbs
Austin Rivers	SG	6′ 4″	200 lbs
Matt Ryan	F	6′ 6″	215 lbs
Karl-Anthony Towns	C	7′ 0″	248 lbs

mark your calendars. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5amQwmQWdZ

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) August 15, 2023

Minnesota Timberwolves Schedule

Offseason Summary (as of Aug. 10):

• Players re-signed: Naz Reid (extension), Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luka Garza
• Players added (via free agency): Troy Brown Jr., Shake Milton
• Players added (via trade): None
• Players added (via 2023 NBA Draft): Leonard Miller (33rd overall), Jaylen Clark (No. 53)
• Players lost: Taurean Prince (waived)
• Remaining free agents: Nathan Knight (UFA), Jaylen Nowell (UFA), Austin Rivers (UFA), Matt Ryan (RFA, two-way)

The Timberwolves are keen to make a statement in the In-Season Tournament, with a talented roster that could potentially surprise their opponents.

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings made an impressive turnaround last season, securing 48 wins and ending a 16-year playoff drought. Under the guidance of new coach Mike Brown, the Kings made an immediate impact, led by the dynamic duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, both earning All-NBA 3rd Team honors.

Sabonis led the league in rebounding, while Fox was recognized with the inaugural Kia Clutch Player of the Year award. Mike Brown’s coaching was acknowledged as he unanimously won the Coach of the Year title.

The Kings opted for continuity in the offseason, re-signing Sabonis to a five-year extension and retaining key free agents Harrison Barnes and Trey Lyles. They also bolstered their roster with Nerlens Noel in free agency, traded for Chris Duarte, and signed EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov to a multi-year deal.

Sacramento Kings Rosters

Name	Pos	Age	Height
Harrison Barnes	SF	31	6′ 8″
Terence Davis	SG	26	6′ 4″
Matthew Dellavedova	PG	33	6′ 3″
Chris Duarte	SG	26	6′ 5″
Kessler Edwards	SF	23	6′ 8″
Keon Ellis	G	23	6′ 5″
Jordan Ford	G	25	6′ 1″
De’Aaron Fox	PG	25	6′ 3″
Kevin Huerter	SG	25	6′ 7″
Colby Jones	G	21	6′ 6″
Alex Len	C	30	7′ 1″
Trey Lyles	PF	27	6′ 9″
JaVale McGee	C	35	7′ 0″
Davion Mitchell	PG	25	6′ 0″
Malik Monk	SG	25	6′ 3″
Keegan Murray	SF	23	6′ 8″
Domantas Sabonis	PF	27	7′ 0″
Jalen Slawson	F	23	6′ 7″
Sasha Vezenkov	F	28	6′ 9″

Sacramento Kings Schedule

Offseason Summary (as of Aug. 10):

• Players re-signed: Domantas Sabonis (extension), Harrison Barnes (extension), Kessler Edwards (team picks up option), Trey Lyles, Alex Len, Keon Ellis, Neemias Queta
• Players added (via free agency): Nerlens Noel
• Players added (via trade): Chris Duarte (from Pacers)
• Players added (via 2023 NBA Draft): Colby Jones (34th overall), Jalen Slawson (No. 54)
• Players lost: PJ Dozier (waived), Chimeze Metu (signed with Suns), Richaun Holmes (traded to Mavs)
• Remaining free agents: Terence Davis (UFA), Matthew Dellavedova (UFA)

The Sacramento Kings aim to build on their recent success and demonstrate their prowess in the In-Season Tournament.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder experienced a remarkable 16-win improvement in the previous season, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned All-NBA 1st Team honors. Gilgeous-Alexander was the fourth-leading scorer in the NBA, averaging 31.4 points per game. The Thunder’s youthful roster, with an average player age of just 23.14 years old, defied expectations and finished with a 40-42 record.

Despite their improvement, OKC’s playoff journey was cut short as they were eliminated by the Timberwolves in the AT&T Play-In Tournament. This marked their third consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

In the offseason, the Thunder made a Draft-centric deal to move up two spots in the 2023 NBA Draft, allowing them to select guard Cason Wallace. Additionally, Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick from 2022 who missed the entire previous season due to injury, is set to make his debut.

The Thunder roster is loaded with young talent, including Jalen Williams, the runner-up for Kia Rookie of the Year last season, and Josh Giddey, who showed promise in his sophomore season. The questions now revolve around Gilgeous-Alexander’s follow-up performance, Holmgren’s impact in his rookie year, and Williams’ potential second-year leap.

PLAYER	POS	HT	WT
Davis Bertans	SF	6-10	225
Ousmane Dieng	SF	6-9	185
Luguentz Dort	SF	6-4	215
Usman Garuba	PF	6-8	229
Josh Giddey	PG	6-8	205
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	SG	6-6	180
Chet Holmgren	C	7-1	195
Isaiah Joe	SG	6-4	165
Keyontae Johnson	SF	6-4	239
Tre Mann	PG	6-3	178
Vasilije Micic	PG	6-5	203
Victor Oladipo	SG	6-4	213
Aleksej Pokusevski	C	7-1	190
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl	C	6-8	242
Olivier Sarr	PF	6-11	240
Cason Wallace	PG	6-4	195
Lindy Waters III	SG	6-6	215
Jack White	SF	6-7	225
Aaron Wiggins	SF	6-5	190
Jalen Williams	SF	6-5	195
Kenrich Williams	SF	6-6	210
Jaylin Williams	C	6-9	240

Oklahoma City Thunder Schedule

Offseason Summary (as of Aug. 10):

• Players re-signed: None
• Players added (via free agency): Vasilije Micic, Jack White
• Players added (via trade): Davis Bertans (from Mavs), Usman Garuba (from Hawks), Victor Oladipo (from Heat), TyTy Washington Jr. (from Hawks)
• Players added (via 2023 NBA Draft): Cason Wallace (10th overall), Hunter Tyson (No. 37), Keyontae Johnson (No. 50)
• Players lost: Rudy Gay (waived), Dario Saric (signed with Warriors)
• Remaining free agents: Jared Butler (UFA, two-way), Olivier Sarr (UFA, two-way), Lindy Waters III (UFA, two-way)

The Thunder enter the In-Season Tournament with a blend of established stars and emerging talents, making them an intriguing team to watch.

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs endured a challenging season in the previous year, finishing with just 22 wins, their lowest total since the 1996-97 season. This marked the end of a 22-year playoff streak that included five NBA championships under the leadership of coach Gregg Popovich.

However, there’s renewed hope in San Antonio as they secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, choosing French forward/center Victor Wembanyama. Widely touted as the most significant draft prospect since LeBron James, Wembanyama is expected to be a game-changer for the Spurs in the years to come.

The Spurs also acquired veterans Cedi Osman, Cameron Payne, and Reggie Bullock via trades to complement their young talent. While their immediate prospects in the In-Season Tournament may be uncertain, the Spurs promise an exciting future.

San Antonio Spurs Rosters

PLAYER	POS	HT	WT
Dom Barlow	PF	6-9	215
Charles Bassey	C	6-9	230
Khem Birch	C	6-9	233
Malaki Branham	SG	6-5	180
Reggie Bullock	SF	6-6	205
Julian Champagnie	SF	6-7	217
Sidy Cissoko	SG	6-5	224
Zach Collins	C	6-11	250
Gorgui Dieng	C	6-10	248
Keldon Johnson	SF	6-6	220
Tre Jones	PG	6-1	185
Sandro Mamukelashvili	PF	6-9	240
Doug McDermott	SF	6-7	225
Cedi Osman	SF	6-7	230
Cameron Payne	PG	6-1	183
Jeremy Sochan	PF	6-9	230
Lamar Stevens	SF	6-6	230
Devin Vassell	SG	6-5	200
Victor Wembanyama	C	7-4	220
Blake Wesley	SG	6-5	185

San Antonio Spurs Schedule

Offseason Summary (as of Aug. 10):

• Players re-signed: Julian Champagnie, Tre Jones, Sandro Mamukelashvili
• Players added (via free agency): None
• Players added (via trade): Cedi Osman (from Cavaliers), Cameron Payne (from Suns), Reggie Bullock (from Dallas)
• Players added (via 2023 NBA Draft): Victor Wembanyama (1st overall), Sidy Cissoko (No. 44)
• Players lost: Keita Bates-Diop (signed with Suns), Lamar Stevens (waived)
• Remaining free agents: Gorgui Dieng (UFA), Romeo Langford (UFA), Dominick Barlow (RFA, two-way)

The Spurs are eager to see how their blend of experienced additions and young talent will fare in the In-Season Tournament, offering a glimpse into their future prospects.

Conclusion

West Group C of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament is a captivating mix of teams with distinct narratives. The Golden State Warriors aim to reclaim their championship form, the Timberwolves seek validation, the Kings hope to build on recent success, the Thunder showcase their youthful exuberance, and the Spurs embark on a new era with a top draft pick.

As these teams clash in the tournament, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling matchups and the emergence of new stars. Stay tuned for the action-packed battles in West Group C of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament as these teams vie for supremacy on the hardwood.