Winter Storm Forces Schedule Changes in NBA, NHL, and College Basketball
A significant winter storm is set to affect a large portion of the United States this weekend, prompting major changes in sporting event schedules across the NBA, NHL, and college basketball. Here’s a detailed overview of the adjustments being made.
NBA Schedule Changes
Despite the impending severe weather, 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, other NBA games have seen earlier start times due to the storm.
- The matchup between the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets has been rescheduled to 12 p.m. ET, moving up from its original 6 p.m. start.
- The Nashville Predators have adjusted their game against Utah to 1:30 p.m. ET, moving it two hours earlier.
College Basketball Rescheduling
In college basketball, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has also shifted the start times for several games on Saturday. This includes:
- No. 5 Duke hosting Wake Forest.
- Richmond versus George Mason women’s game scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. ET, with no spectators allowed.
Additionally, Rice University will host back-to-back games at Tudor Fieldhouse, with the women’s game against Tulane starting at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the men’s game against Tulsa at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Impact of the Winter Storm
This winter storm, labeled as “historic”, is projected to begin in the southern U.S. and will move eastward. It is expected to affect at least 34 states, impacting over 230 million people. The areas that are likely to see severe weather include:
- States from Texas to Virginia, facing significant ice accumulations.
- A swath of the country stretching from the Texas panhandle to the northeast, including major cities like New York City and Boston, could experience at least a foot of snow.
According to forecasts, ice accumulation may exceed a quarter of an inch, leading to potential power outages due to high winds and ice.
Conclusion
As this winter storm approaches, both the NBA and college basketball have taken proactive measures to adjust their schedules. Fans and participants should remain informed about possible changes and safety precautions as the storm unfolds.
