Winter Storm Forces Schedule Shifts and Postponements in NBA, NHL, CBB
A major winter storm is poised to affect a significant part of the United States this weekend, prompting adjustments in the schedules of the NBA, NHL, and college basketball. The storm is anticipated to bring significant snow and ice across multiple states, impacting games and events.
Impact on NBA Schedule
As the winter storm approaches, the NBA has made several adjustments. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the Dallas Mavericks confirmed that their game against the Los Angeles Lakers will proceed as planned on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET. However, the planned matchup between the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina has been rescheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET, moving up from its original time of 6 p.m. ET.
NHL Game Time Changes
The Nashville Predators have also adjusted their game time. Their matchup against Utah will now start two hours earlier at 1:30 p.m. ET. This change was made to accommodate fans and players and ensure safety ahead of the storm.
College Basketball Adjustments
In college basketball, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has similarly revised the start times for multiple Saturday games. Notably, No. 5 Duke will host Wake Forest with an adjusted schedule.
Additional Game Rescheduling
- Rice University will hold back-to-back men’s and women’s basketball games on Saturday. The women’s game against Tulane starts at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the men’s game against Tulsa at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- The Richmond-George Mason women’s game is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. ET, but no fans will be allowed to attend.
Furthermore, the Sun Belt conference has proactively modified its schedule for games from Thursday through Saturday. The American conference has also moved some men’s and women’s basketball games to Friday to avoid the worst of the storm.
Severe Weather Forecast
This winter storm, labeled historic by meteorologists, is expected to impact at least 34 states and over 230 million people. It is starting in the southern U.S. and advancing eastward. Significant ice accumulation could exceed one-quarter of an inch, particularly affecting 11 states from Texas to Virginia.
| State | Expected Conditions |
|---|---|
| Texas | Severe ice conditions |
| Virginia | Heavy snowfall |
| New York | Potential for over a foot of snow |
The area stretching from New Mexico to New York is under a winter storm warning. Those regions from the Texas panhandle to the Northeast, including cities like New York and Boston, are bracing for substantial snowfall and hazardous conditions.
