Winter Storm Grounds NBA, College Basketball Games
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Dangerous travel conditions caused by a massive winter storm led to the postponement of several NBA and college basketball games on Sunday.
- The Denver Nuggets-Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks-Milwaukee Bucks NBA games were postponed.
- Several college basketball games, including matchups featuring Tennessee and Ole Miss, were also affected.
- The NBA adjusted start times for two Monday games to accommodate travel challenges.
- Freezing rain and widespread power outages created hazardous conditions in Memphis.
A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States forced the NBA to postpone two games on Sunday, January 25, 2026, impacting teams and travel plans. The Denver Nuggets’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as the contest between the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks, were both called off due to dangerous conditions.
Memphis and Milwaukee Hit Hardest
NBA officials announced less than three hours before the scheduled tipoff of the Nuggets-Grizzlies game that it would be rescheduled because of the worsening conditions in the Memphis area. A mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain began falling early Saturday morning and continued throughout Sunday, creating treacherous travel conditions. Both the Nuggets and the Grizzlies, along with the officiating crew, had already arrived in Memphis when the decision was made.
The situation was different in Milwaukee, where the Bucks were set to host the Mavericks at 7 p.m. ET Sunday. The Mavericks were unable to fly in either Saturday night or Sunday, ultimately leading to the postponement of their game.
Schedule Adjustments and Collegiate Impacts
In addition to the postponements, the NBA adjusted the start times for two games scheduled for Monday. The Indiana Pacers’ game at the Atlanta Hawks will now begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, a shift from its original 7:30 p.m. start time. Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers’ game at the Charlotte Hornets will tip off at 3 p.m. ET, instead of 7 p.m.
The impact extended beyond the NBA, as a G League game between the Memphis Hustle and Stockton Kings in Southaven, Mississippi, was also postponed and rescheduled for February 19.
Freezing rain accumulated on power lines and trees in the Memphis area, resulting in widespread power outages and blocked roads. Local authorities recommended that residents stay off the streets due to the icy conditions and frigid temperatures.
Looking Ahead for Affected Teams
The Nuggets announced they planned to depart Memphis at some point on Sunday, contingent on conditions at Memphis International Airport. They are currently scheduled to play at home on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. The Grizzlies are slated to visit the Houston Rockets on Monday.
At least two women’s college basketball games were also postponed: No. 17 Tennessee’s visit to No. 18 Ole Miss on Monday and Tulane’s visit to Memphis on Tuesday. New dates for these games have not yet been announced.
A men’s game featuring Tennessee at No. 21 Georgia was pushed back a day from Tuesday to Wednesday. Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indianapolis, and Southern Illinois and Evansville had Sunday games postponed without make-up dates announced.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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