MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The National Hockey League (NHL) postponed the Columbus Blue Jackets' home game against the Los Angeles Kings that was set for Monday night due to a significant winter storm. This storm caused hazardous travel conditions across a large portion of the United States, affecting the ability for both teams to travel safely.
In Columbus, Ohio, nearly a foot of snow fell, with wind chill factors forecasted to reach minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday night. The game has been rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus, ensuring that fans and players alike will have a safer environment for the contest.
In addition to NHL cancellations, the National Basketball Association (NBA) also faced disruptions as games in Memphis and Milwaukee were postponed on Sunday due to the same storm. The Dallas Mavericks attempted to fly to Milwaukee for their scheduled game against the Bucks but were unable to depart due to the severe weather conditions. The decision to postpone the game was announced just a few hours prior to the expected tipoff. Food that had already been prepared for the event was generously donated to local shelters in Milwaukee.
Earlier that same Sunday, a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies was also postponed approximately three hours before its scheduled start time. Unfortunately, no rescheduled dates were provided for these games at the time.
Moreover, the NBA made adjustments to the start times of two additional games on Monday: the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Charlotte Hornets at 3 p.m. ET instead of the originally planned 7 p.m., while the Indiana Pacers played against the Atlanta Hawks at 1:30 p.m. rather than at 7:30 p.m.
In the Memphis area, residents experienced an unpleasant combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that commenced early Saturday morning and continued through Sunday morning. Areas south and east of Memphis saw significant accumulation of freezing rain on power lines and trees, causing extensive power outages and obstructed roads. Authorities advised that individuals avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary due to the dangerous conditions caused by the wintry precipitation and frigid temperatures.
The Nuggets stated their intention to try and depart from Memphis at some point on Sunday, depending on the weather conditions at Memphis International Airport. They are scheduled to play at home on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are set to face the Houston Rockets on Monday in Texas.
Additionally, an NBA G League game slated for Monday between the Memphis Hustle and Stockton Kings in Southaven, Mississippi, was postponed, with a new date of February 19 announced for the rescheduled game.
Several collegiate women’s basketball games were also impacted, including a matchup between No. 17 Tennessee and No. 18 Mississippi, which was postponed on Monday. Another game featuring Tulane visiting Memphis on Tuesday was also affected, with no new dates provided for these matchups.
In the men's basketball realm, a game involving Tennessee at No. 21 Georgia was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. Additionally, games between Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indianapolis, along with Southern Illinois and Evansville, experienced postponements on Sunday, though new dates have not yet been determined.
These recent schedule changes follow a series of adjustments made last week in anticipation of the winter storm, highlighting the impact of severe weather on sporting events and travel logistics.
In a separate incident on Saturday, the NBA postponed a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community following a tragic event involving the fatal shooting of a man by a federal officer in close proximity to where the Timberwolves play.




