Mavs-Lakers Game Still On for Saturday Despite Looming Winter Storm in North Texas
As North Texas braces for a powerful winter storm, the Dallas Mavericks are preparing to host one of the most anticipated matchups of the season - and as of now, Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center is still a go.
It’s shaping up to be a weekend where sports and weather collide in a big way. While several events across the Dallas-Fort Worth area have already been canceled, the Mavericks are holding steady, expecting tipoff to proceed as scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
CT. But with conditions deteriorating fast, fans and players alike will be navigating more than just matchups on the court.
Weather Outlook: Ice, Snow, and Brutal Cold
Let’s start with the forecast - and it’s a rough one.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for North and Central Texas, in effect from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. On top of that, an Extreme Cold Warning kicks in Saturday night and stretches into Monday morning.
Here’s what the timeline looks like:
- Friday afternoon into evening: Rain turns into freezing rain as temps dip below freezing.
- Friday night into Saturday: Ice starts to accumulate - we’re talking a quarter to half an inch of it in the DFW area.
- Saturday into Sunday: The system shifts to sleet and snow.
North of I-20 could see 2-5 inches of wintry mix on top of that ice.
- Sunday night into Monday: Arctic air settles in.
Lows drop into the single digits, and wind chills could plunge to between -4 and -12 degrees.
Translation: travel could become nearly impossible by Saturday. Officials are urging people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and temperatures may not climb above freezing until Monday afternoon.
While ERCOT has said the Texas power grid should hold - thanks to upgrades made since the infamous 2021 storm - localized outages are still possible. Ice on tree limbs and power lines is no joke.
Game Status: Mavs Say It’s Still On - For Now
Despite the forecast, the Mavericks are moving forward with plans to host the Lakers on Saturday night. The game is set to air on ABC, WFAA-TV, ESPN Radio, 97.1 The Eagle, and Zona MX 99.1, and the team has made it clear that safety is the top priority.
The organization is monitoring the situation closely and says fans should expect another update on Saturday if conditions take a turn.
In the meantime, the Mavericks are making a few operational tweaks at American Airlines Center:
- The North and North Platinum entrances will be closed to help regulate indoor temperatures.
- All other public entrances will remain open.
- Arena staff will be on hand to assist with directions and entry.
Fans heading to the game are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and stay connected through official team channels - including the Mavs app, Mavs.com, and @DallasMavs on social media - for real-time updates.
Jason Kidd: “If the Lakers land, we play.”
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of postponements.
“Well, if the Lakers land, we play - we can’t help it,” Kidd said. “If fans don’t come or you don’t come, we’ll have the COVID game.
It becomes hard with arena availability and trying to squeeze games in. If the Lakers land tomorrow, hopefully we can play the game on Saturday.”
It’s a nod to the logistical challenges the NBA faces when weather throws a wrench into the schedule. Arena availability, travel windows, and broadcast slots all factor in - and rescheduling a game isn’t as simple as pushing it back a day or two.
The league is keeping an eye on the broader picture, but for now, both teams are operating under the assumption that Saturday’s game will happen - provided travel allows.
Luka’s Return Adds to the Hype
Beyond the weather, this game carries serious weight. Luka Dončić is back in Dallas - this time wearing purple and gold - and that alone would’ve made Saturday night a must-watch. Now, it’s a high-stakes showdown wrapped in a winter storm warning.
The Mavericks are urging fans to stay flexible, stay safe, and stay informed. If the weather holds and the Lakers make it into town, we’re in for one of the most compelling matchups of the season - even if the roads outside are covered in ice.
Bottom line: the game is still on, but Mother Nature might have the final say.