The Philadelphia 76ers are adjusting their schedule as a massive winter storm disrupts life across the eastern United States. The team’s home game against the Charlotte Hornets has been moved several hours earlier to accommodate the severe weather conditions sweeping through the region.
League officials announced the time change Sunday evening, pushing the Monday matchup from its original 7 p.m. slot to 3 p.m. The decision reflects growing concerns about player and fan safety as the storm continues to dump heavy snow across multiple states.
Philadelphia is experiencing its most significant snowfall in a decade, with meteorologists reporting 9.1 inches accumulating in the city proper. The last comparable event occurred in 2016, when the region was buried under 22.4 inches of snow. Surrounding areas have been hit even harder, with communities like Allentown in the Lehigh Valley measuring roughly 12 inches.
Weather Prompts Multiple NBA Schedule Changes
The Sixers game was not the only contest affected by the winter weather. The league also rescheduled the Indiana Pacers matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, moving that game to a 1:30 p.m. start on Monday. These adjustments demonstrate the NBA’s proactive approach to protecting players, staff and fans from hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service indicates that the storm system began tapering off Sunday night in the Philadelphia region, but its impact will linger. Roads remain treacherous, and officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Sixers Face Challenges Beyond the Weather
Philadelphia enters Monday’s game against Charlotte dealing with more than just scheduling complications. The Philadelphia team is navigating significant injury concerns that will impact their lineup against the Hornets.
Star center Joel Embiid will sit out the contest due to a left knee injury. The absence is particularly notable given his recent performance against the New York Knicks, where he poured in 38 points during a narrow 112-109 defeat Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Paul George will also miss Monday’s game as he continues managing his own left knee injury. The dual absences leave the Sixers without two of their most important offensive weapons as they try to build momentum in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Arctic Blast to Follow Storm
The immediate snowfall may be subsiding, but residents in Philadelphia should brace for even more challenging conditions in the coming days. Meteorologists are forecasting a dramatic temperature drop that will keep the region in a deep freeze for at least the next seven to ten days.
High temperatures are expected to struggle into the low 20s throughout the week, with overnight lows plunging into single digits and potentially below zero. These frigid conditions mean the accumulated snow will not melt anytime soon, creating prolonged hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks.
The extended cold snap will carry the region through the end of January and into the first days of February, making this one of the most sustained winter weather events in recent memory.
Team Looks to Maintain Playoff Position
Despite the weather disruptions and injury setbacks, the Sixers remain focused on their playoff aspirations. The team currently holds a 24-20 record, positioning them in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings where every game carries significant implications.
Charlotte arrives in Philadelphia looking to capitalize on the Sixers’ depleted roster. The earlier start time may work in favor of the visiting Hornets, who can complete their travel and return home before conditions deteriorate further.
For fans planning to attend the game, arena officials are encouraging early arrival and emphasizing the importance of monitoring weather updates throughout the day. Public transportation schedules may be affected by the ongoing winter conditions.
As the Philadelphia region settles in for an extended period of bitter cold and snowy conditions, the 76ers must find ways to compete effectively despite mounting challenges both on and off the court. With the playoff race tightening across the league — including in the Western Conference, where teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are also fighting for position — every disrupted game and missing star carries even greater significance in the weeks ahead.
Source: CBS News
