The NBA weather delay has affected professional basketball schedules as Winter Storm Fern sweeps through the central and eastern United States. The storm, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and ice, has led to unsafe travel conditions and prompted the NBA to reschedule games in Memphis and Milwaukee to ensure player and fan safety.
Officials emphasized that player safety and the wellbeing of traveling fans and staff were the top priorities when canceling the scheduled matchups. Teams and venues coordinated closely with local authorities to assess the situation in real-time.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets Postponed
The Memphis Grizzlies’ matchup against the Denver Nuggets, originally scheduled for Sunday, was called off as snow and ice made roads unsafe for team buses, staff, and fans traveling to FedExForum. Local authorities issued travel warnings across the Memphis area, prompting the NBA to act hours before the tipoff.
The Grizzlies and Nuggets are awaiting a new date for the rescheduled game, with league officials prioritizing flexibility to accommodate both team schedules.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks Postponed
In Milwaukee, the Bucks’ scheduled game against the Dallas Mavericks was postponed after the Mavericks were unable to safely depart from Dallas due to ice-covered runways and airport closures. Team officials confirmed the postponement in the afternoon, citing unsafe travel conditions and the inability to arrive on time.
League representatives are coordinating to determine the earliest possible reschedule date while considering arena availability and the broader NBA calendar.
Broader Impacts of Winter Storm Fern
Winter Storm Fern has affected multiple regions, disrupting flights, causing hazardous road conditions, and impacting local infrastructure. Beyond the NBA, several college basketball games and other sporting events in the Midwest and South have also been postponed or rescheduled due to similar safety concerns.
The storm has highlighted how extreme weather continues to affect sports logistics and emphasizes the importance of contingency planning for professional leagues.
NBA Scheduling Adjustments
To mitigate disruption, the NBA is reviewing options including:
- Rescheduling the Memphis vs. Denver and Milwaukee vs. Dallas games for midweek slots.
- Adjusting tipoff times for other games in affected regions to reduce travel risk.
- Coordinating with arenas and local authorities for safe fan and team operations.
The league continues to prioritize safety while minimizing disruption to the season schedule.
This report is part of FFRNEWS Sports coverage, tracking major professional basketball developments and weather-related disruptions affecting league schedules. Details are based on reporting by AP News and publicly available league updates.
