Archives

Friday, February 13, 2026
HomeDallas MavericksEverything To Know About Winter Storm Impacting Dallas Mavericks’ Game Against Luka Dončić’s Los Angeles Lakers On Saturday
Dallas MavericksLos Angeles LakersNBA

Everything To Know About Winter Storm Impacting Dallas Mavericks’ Game Against Luka Dončić’s Los Angeles Lakers On Saturday

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
Luka Dončić looks to pass for the Los Angeles Lakers as Naji Marshall defends for the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

North Texas is bracing for a major winter storm during one of the busiest sports weekends of the season, but the Dallas Mavericks still expect Saturday night’s home game against the Los Angeles Lakers to be played as scheduled at American Airlines Center.

Below is everything fans need to know about the weather, travel concerns, arena operations and the current status of the game as conditions deteriorate across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Winter Storm Warnings, Timing and Expected Impacts

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for North and Central Texas from 6 p.m. Friday through noon Sunday, along with an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday night through Monday morning.

Forecasters expect a dangerous sequence of weather events:

  • Friday afternoon into evening: Rain transitions to freezing rain as temperatures drop below freezing.
  • Friday night into Saturday: Freezing rain and sleet begin accumulating, with 0.25 to 0.5 inches of ice possible in the DFW area.
  • Saturday into Sunday: The system transitions to sleet and snow, with 2–5 inches of sleet and snow expected north of Interstate 20, on top of the ice layer.
  • Sunday night into Monday: Arctic air settles in, with single-digit low temperatures and wind chills ranging from minus 4 to minus 12 degrees.

Officials warn that travel could become nearly impossible by Saturday, and temperatures may not rise above freezing again until at least Monday afternoon. Several sporting events across the Metroplex have already been canceled due to the forecast.

State officials and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) have said the power grid is expected to remain stable, citing upgrades made since the February 2021 winter storm. However, localized power outages remain possible due to ice weighing down tree limbs and power lines.

Game Status, Arena Operations and What the Dallas Mavericks Are Saying

As of now, the Mavericks say there is no immediate concern regarding the status of Saturday’s game. Tipoff remains set for 7:30 p.m. CT, with the game airing on ABC/WFAA-TV, ESPN Radio, 97.1 The Eagle and Zona MX 99.1.

The organization emphasized that safety for fans, staff and players remains the top priority and that conditions will continue to be monitored closely throughout the weekend.

As a precautionary operational adjustment:

  • The North and North Platinum entrances at American Airlines Center will be closed to help maintain building temperatures.
  • All other public entrances will remain open.
  • Arena staff will be available to assist fans with directions and entry.

Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow official Mavericks channels — including the Mavs app, Mavs.com and @DallasMavs on social media — for real-time updates. The team said an additional update will be provided Saturday if conditions change or further adjustments are required.

Before Thursday’s game, head coach Jason Kidd addressed the situation when asked about potential travel or scheduling contingencies.

“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. Other games could be in doubt, and that’s something the league will have to decide as we go forward.”

For now, both teams and the league are proceeding under the expectation that the game will be played if travel allows. Saturday’s matchup also carries added attention with Luka Dončić returning to Dallas with the Lakers, making it one of the most anticipated games of the season.

The Mavericks’ message remains consistent: there is no concern at this time, but fans should stay informed, be flexible and prioritize safety as North Texas prepares for one of its most severe winter weather events in years.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Trade Rumors

Tags :American Airlines CenterDallas MavericksDallas WeatherExtreme Cold WarningJason KiddLos Angeles LakersLuka DončićNBANBA NewsWinter Storm Warning
Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
view all posts

You Might Also Like