The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers are still scheduled to tip off Saturday night in Dallas even as a major winter storm threatens the region and prompts operational changes at American Airlines Center.
The NBA matchup, set for 7:30 p.m. at the AAC, will go on as planned despite forecasts of ice, sleet and snow in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this weekend.
The Mavericks officially announced that tip-off against the Lakers will not be postponed, and the team said it is monitoring weather conditions closely while taking precautions for fans, players and staff. In a statement released Friday, the organization encouraged supporters to plan extra travel time and stay updated through official channels for any late changes.
As part of those precautions, the Mavericks said the North and North Platinum entrances at American Airlines Center will be closed for Saturday’s game to help maintain building temperatures amid the cold weather. Other public entrances will remain open, and arena personnel will assist fans with entry as needed.
The weather forecast for North Texas calls for a combination of freezing rain, sleet and snow that could make travel difficult ahead of the game. Local meteorologists say the storm has already resulted in some hazardous conditions across the region, and a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect.
Saturday’s matchup also marks the return of former Maverick Luka Dončić to Dallas as a member of the Lakers. Despite the inclement weather and logistical adjustments, both teams and the league are operating under the expectation that the game will proceed if travel permits.