A severe winter storm sweeping across the United States has led to scheduling adjustments in professional and college basketball. The NBA moved the Washington Wizards' game against the Charlotte Hornets to noon ET on Saturday, January 24, from its original evening slot due to weather warnings in North Carolina. This change aims to avoid disruptions from the storm's expected ice and snow.
The winter storm, named Fern by The Weather Channel, is forecasted to bring at least six inches of snow to parts of the southern Rockies, Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, Ohio Valley, and Northeast through Monday. In the South, including North Carolina, dangerous ice conditions are anticipated, potentially causing power outages, tree damage, and hazardous travel. At least 17 states have declared emergencies, and Saturday flights are being canceled.
The NBA announced the adjustment for the Wizards-Hornets game in Charlotte on Thursday, shifting the tip-off six hours earlier to noon ET, according to USA Today. Yahoo Sports reported the move as three hours from a 3 p.m. start, highlighting a discrepancy in the original time. The league seeks to ensure safety amid the storm's threat.
Other NBA games face scrutiny but remain scheduled. The Oklahoma City Thunder's rematch against the Indiana Pacers, set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 23, at Paycom Center, is proceeding despite incoming snow in Oklahoma City. Schools are closed, and residents advised to stay home, yet the game tips off just before snowflakes fall. Ticket prices have dropped, with the cheapest at $15 on StubHub.
The Dallas Mavericks versus Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Dallas is intact, but the Mavericks are monitoring conditions. In a social media post, they stated: "We are closely monitoring the weather conditions leading up to the Jan. 24 game and will take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and stay tuned to official Dallas Mavericks channels for real-time updates."
This is not the NBA's first weather-related change this season. A January 8 game between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat was postponed due to excessive condensation on the court from humidity, rescheduled for January 29.
The storm has also impacted college basketball, with multiple men's and women's games rescheduled or postponed, including ACC and Big East matchups moved earlier and North Carolina Central delaying four contests.
