Outside of a few unknowns based on the NBA Cup matchups, the league’s regular-season schedule remains virtually airtight. Decided before the season’s commencement, each game is scheduled to the hour, with only slight delays in tip-off. Unlike other sports, where flexible slots are used near the end of the year, the NBA is meticulous and particular in its approach.
However, at various times, certain games may be affected by factors beyond the league’s control. The rising tension in Minnesota is one such example, but sometimes the elements are the ones to blame. As a result, basketball fans will be treated to a rather unique experience this Monday.
NBA Monday Schedule
Typically, basketball is an evening sport on weekdays, with games across the league beginning later in the day. This Monday, too, a similar cycle would have followed, with a very average five-game slate commencing at 7:00 p.m. ET.
However, the ongoing weather conditions along the East Coast, following a winter storm, caused several game delays. As a result, a few games had to be rescheduled to available slots and timings.
Monday will be one such day, with two games prescheduled to account for worsening weather conditions, both in the afternoon. No matter the weather, the game will go on.
The first is a clash between the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers, set for 1:30 p.m. ET, which was initially scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. At 11-35, the Pacers are already essentially a lock to miss the playoffs. However, the Hawks, after parting ways with superstar point guard Trae Young, have been aiming for a midseason renaissance.
The second matchup to suffer a similar fate is the one between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets, beginning an hour and a half later, at 3:00 p.m. ET, instead of its originally scheduled start time of 7:00 p.m. ET.
Beyond these two games, which feature three teams right in the thick of the Play-In race, five other matchups are proceeding as scheduled, with the winter storm not affecting their areas in any real capacity.
1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic at 7:00 p.m. ET
2) Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 8:00 p.m. ET
3) Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 8:00 p.m. ET
4) Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 8:00 p.m. ET
5) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors at 9:30 p.m. ET.
It is not going to be just TV channels, as there is a fair possibility of fans showing up in record numbers for the games at the venue.
