MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The NBA announced the postponement of games in Memphis and Milwaukee on Sunday due to a significant winter storm creating hazardous travel conditions across much of the United States. The Dallas Mavericks attempted to travel to Milwaukee for their scheduled game against the Bucks but were unable to fly due to adverse weather conditions. As a result, the game was postponed just hours before the scheduled tipoff. The Mavericks had prepared food for the game, which was instead donated to local shelters in Milwaukee.
Earlier on the same day, a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies was postponed approximately three hours prior to the planned start time. The league has not yet announced any rescheduled dates for these games.
Additionally, the NBA altered the start times for two games set for Monday. The Philadelphia 76ers will now face the Charlotte Hornets at 3 p.m. ET, moving up from the originally scheduled 7 p.m. start. The Indiana Pacers will play against the Atlanta Hawks at 1:30 p.m. ET, down from 7:30 p.m. ET. This decision reflects the league's ongoing adjustments in response to the winter conditions.
In Memphis, a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain began early on Saturday morning and continued into Sunday. Areas to the south and east of Memphis experienced significant accumulation of freezing rain, which resulted in power outages and blocked roadways. Local authorities have advised residents to remain off the streets as refreezing conditions and frigid temperatures persist.
The Denver Nuggets announced their plans to depart sometime on Sunday, contingent on the weather conditions at Memphis International Airport. They are scheduled to host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are set to face the Houston Rockets on Monday.
In the NBA G League, a Monday matchup between the Memphis Hustle and the Stockton Kings in Southaven, Mississippi, was postponed, with a rescheduled date set for February 19. Furthermore, at least two women’s college basketball games have also been affected by the storm. No. 17 Tennessee's game at No. 18 Mississippi on Monday and Tulane's game against Memphis on Tuesday have both been postponed, with no rescheduled dates announced as of yet.
In men’s college basketball, a game featuring Tennessee at No. 21 Georgia has been postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday. Other matches, including Purdue Fort Wayne against IU Indianapolis and Southern Illinois against Evansville, were also postponed without announced makeup dates. These moves follow a week of adjustments made due to anticipation of the winter storm.
Separately, the NBA postponed a game on Saturday between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This decision was made to prioritize safety and security in Minneapolis following a fatal shooting by a federal officer in the area, which was located less than two miles from the Timberwolves' home arena.
