A major winter storm sweeping across parts of the United States forced significant NBA scheduling changes on Monday, January 26, 2026, as teams dealt with travel delays, airport disruptions, and unsafe conditions for moving personnel and equipment.
In Atlanta, the league moved up the Pacers–Hawks game by several hours, shifting the start time from an evening tip to early afternoon as conditions worsened. The adjustment created immediate complications for fans who planned to attend after work, while broadcasters and arena staff also had to pivot quickly.
Other matchups were postponed when teams reported they could not travel safely or could not depart due to aircraft de-icing problems and regional ice and snow. The disruptions underscored how quickly winter weather can ripple through a tightly packed pro schedule that depends on precise logistics.
The league has previously used time changes, back-to-back rescheduling, and condensed travel to make up lost dates, but widespread storm impacts can reduce flexibility, especially when multiple cities and flight corridors are affected at once.
Teams and arenas also face player-safety concerns when travel becomes unpredictable. Late arrivals, missed shootarounds, and limited recovery time can raise the risk of injuries, leading clubs to push for postponements rather than forcing disrupted routines.
The NBA said revised dates would be announced when feasible, while local officials continued urging residents to limit travel as the storm affected roads, airports, and public transit across several regions.