Winter Storm Disrupts NBA, College Basketball Schedules
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A widespread winter storm and a separate safety concern in Minneapolis have led to multiple postponements across the NBA and college basketball landscape. Several games, including a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, have been impacted as conditions deteriorate across the United States.
The NBA announced Sunday that the Nuggets-Grizzlies game, originally scheduled for Sunday, would be rescheduled due to hazardous conditions in the Memphis area. A combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain began accumulating early Saturday and persisted through Sunday morning, prompting officials to prioritize player and fan safety.
Travel Woes for Teams
Both the Nuggets and the officiating crew had already arrived in Memphis when the decision was made. However, the Dallas Mavericks faced significant travel challenges, remaining in Dallas as of Sunday afternoon with plans to arrive in Milwaukee by mid-afternoon for their scheduled 7 p.m. ET game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were unable to depart for Milwaukee on Saturday night due to the storm.
The impact extended beyond the NBA. An NBA G League game between the Memphis Hustle and the Stockton Kings, slated for Monday in Southaven, Mississippi, was also postponed and will now take place on February 19.
Widespread Impact and Safety Concerns
The storm’s effects are being felt beyond the basketball courts. South and east of Memphis, freezing rain has caused power outages and blocked roadways, with officials urging residents to stay off the streets. The Nuggets indicated they would attempt to depart Memphis sometime Sunday, contingent on conditions at Memphis International Airport, and are currently scheduled to host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. The Grizzlies are set to play the Houston Rockets on Monday.
Several college basketball games have also been affected. Tennessee’s game at Mississippi, and Tulane’s visit to Memphis – both women’s games – were postponed, with rescheduling dates yet to be determined. In men’s basketball, a Tennessee game at Georgia was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. Games featuring Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indianapolis, as well as Southern Illinois and Evansville, were also postponed with no immediate makeup dates announced.
Adding to the disruptions, the NBA postponed a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. This decision was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” following the fatal shooting of a man by a federal officer near the Timberwolves’ arena.
