Winter Storm Fern Grounds Nuggets; Sunday Matchup in Memphis Postponed
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The high-stakes Western Conference clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies was officially postponed Sunday afternoon as a relentless winter storm swept through the Mid-South, turning the region into a hazardous landscape of ice and snow.
The NBA made the announcement at approximately 12:45 PM local time, less than three hours before the scheduled 3:30 PM ET tipoff at FedExForum. While both teams and the officiating crew had already arrived in Memphis, the league cited “extremely dangerous travel conditions” for fans, arena staff, and team personnel as the primary reason for the delay.
A City on Ice
The Memphis area has been battered by Winter Storm Fern since early Saturday morning. A volatile mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and roughly 3 to 5 inches of snow has left roads impassable and triggered widespread power outages throughout Shelby County. Local authorities issued a “Stay Off the Roads” advisory Sunday morning as temperatures hovered in the single digits, causing a dangerous “refreeze” effect on major thoroughfares.
A Silver Lining for Denver?
While the postponement disrupts the rhythm of the season, it may provide a much-needed reprieve for a Denver roster currently decimated by injuries. Head coach David Adelman had expressed concern over a grueling schedule that saw the team play a back-to-back in Milwaukee before flying into the storm for an early Sunday matinee.
The extra rest could prove vital for:
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Nikola Jokic: The reigning MVP is nearing a return from a left knee bone bruise.
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Aaron Gordon: Recovering from a hamstring strain suffered in Friday’s win over the Bucks.
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Jamal Murray: Struggling with hamstring and hip inflammation.
With the game off, the Nuggets are attempting to secure a flight out of Memphis International Airport late Sunday evening, weather permitting.
Looking Ahead
The NBA has not yet announced a makeup date for the contest, noting the schedule is currently TBD. This is the second game the league postponed on Sunday, following the Dallas Mavericks’ inability to fly into Milwaukee for their matchup against the Bucks.
The Nuggets are scheduled to return to action at Ball Arena this Tuesday, January 27, against the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM MT.
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