NBA Games Canceled?! What Storm Could Change the Season Forever—Find Out!

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a rare disruption to the NBA schedule, the league announced the postponement of two games on Sunday, January 25, 2026, due to a severe winter storm wreaking havoc across much of the United States, particularly in the Memphis and Milwaukee areas. The Dallas Mavericks' attempt to travel to Milwaukee for their game against the Bucks was thwarted when two flights were canceled due to unsafe travel conditions. The NBA made the decision to postpone the game just hours before tip-off, prioritizing the safety of players and staff.
Following the postponement, food prepared for the game in Milwaukee was generously donated to local shelters, showcasing the league's commitment to community support even amidst challenging circumstances.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/N3nGndwfcj
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 25, 2026
Earlier that same day, the game between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies was also postponed three hours before it was scheduled to start. As of now, no new dates have been announced for either game, leaving fans and players alike in a state of uncertainty.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MwzjQbC1Zv
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 25, 2026
The storm triggered a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that began early Saturday and continued into Sunday morning, creating treacherous conditions across the region. South and east of Memphis, heavy freezing rain accumulated on power lines and trees, resulting in widespread power outages and blocked roads. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors as temperatures continued to plummet, raising concerns about refreezing.
While the Nuggets planned to evaluate the situation before attempting to fly out of Memphis International Airport for their scheduled game against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, the Grizzlies were also set to face the Houston Rockets in a game on Monday.
SCHEDULE UPDATE FOR MONDAY, JAN. 26:
The Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks game will now tip off at 1:30 p.m. ET due to inclement weather.
The Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets game will now tip off at 3 p.m. ET due to inclement weather.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 25, 2026
The league also made schedule adjustments for Monday, moving the start times of two games: the Philadelphia 76ers will now tip off against the Charlotte Hornets at 3 p.m. ET instead of 7 p.m. ET, and the Indiana Pacers will face the Atlanta Hawks at 1:30 p.m. ET instead of 7:30 p.m. ET. These changes reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to the changing weather conditions.
The impact of the storm extended beyond the NBA. Various college basketball games were also postponed, including No. 17 Tennessee's matchup against No. 18 Mississippi and Tulane's game against Memphis, with reschedule dates yet to be announced. In men's basketball, Tennessee's game against No. 21 Georgia was pushed back from Tuesday to Wednesday, alongside other postponed games without confirmed make-up dates.
This weather disturbance follows a week of preemptive adjustments made by the NBA, as teams navigated the impending storm. In a separate instance, a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves was postponed the previous Saturday due to community safety concerns following a fatal shooting nearby.
As weather patterns continue to shift and impact sporting events, the NBA's decisions reflect a growing commitment to player and community safety. Fans will be eager to see how the league adapts and reschedules these critical matchups in the coming days, as winter weather poses challenges across the country.
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