NBA moves Pacers–Hawks tipoff to 1:30 p.m. ET as winter weather forces schedule changes
With snow, sleet and ice affecting travel across large parts of the U.S., the NBA shifted Monday’s Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks game from a 7:30 p.m. ET start to an early afternoon tip. The time change reflects wider storm-driven disruptions across sports schedules and transportation networks, including postponed games and altered travel plans for teams and fans.
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A storm-driven schedule update
The NBA adjusted the start time for the Indiana Pacers’ road game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, January 26, 2026, moving tipoff to 1:30 p.m. ET from the originally scheduled 7:30 p.m. start. The change was made as severe winter weather affected large parts of the country and created uncertainty about travel conditions for teams, arena staff and fans.
Peachtree Hoops reported the league issued a schedule update citing inclement weather, with the six-hour move designed to reduce operational risk as snow and ice advisories spread across multiple regions. The update came amid a broader pattern of weather-related disruptions affecting transportation and event scheduling.
How fans can watch and follow
The game remained at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, but viewers and attendees had to adapt quickly to the early start. The report noted the matchup would be available on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for local viewers, with additional streaming options for out-of-market audiences through services that carry NBA League Pass.
Last-minute time changes can create challenges for ticket holders, including work schedules, transportation plans and childcare arrangements, but the league often prioritizes completing games safely when forecasts suggest conditions may deteriorate later in the day.
Part of a wider weather impact on sports
The schedule shift reflects how extreme winter weather can ripple through professional sports logistics. When airports and highways are disrupted, teams may struggle to travel on standard timetables, and leagues frequently respond with earlier starts, postponements or rescheduled dates to protect players and staff.
For the NBA, even a single time change can affect arena operations, broadcast windows and team recovery routines. In the short term, the goal is to reduce the chance that worsening conditions strand teams overnight or complicate departures after the game.