Charlotte, NC, February 2, 2026
The NBA has moved the game start time for the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans matchup to 3 p.m. ET on February 2, 2026. This decision was made due to severe winter weather affecting the Charlotte region, ensuring the safety of fans and team personnel. With significant snowfall and icy conditions reported, this marks the fourth Hornets home game this season to have its start time adjusted for weather-related reasons. The Hornets enter the game on a six-game winning streak.
Charlotte, NC – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a significant schedule change for the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans, originally slated for Monday, February 2, 2026. The game’s start time at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte has been moved up by four hours, now commencing at 3 p.m. ET instead of the initially scheduled 7 p.m. ET. This alteration comes as a direct response to prevailing inclement winter weather conditions impacting the Charlotte region.
The decision prioritizes the safety of fans and team personnel amidst a widespread winter storm that has brought snow, bitterly cold air, and icy road conditions across North Carolina. This marks the fourth occasion a Hornets home game has seen its start time adjusted this season due to weather-related concerns.
Weather Prompts Early Tip-Off
The Charlotte area is currently grappling with a severe winter storm, necessitating the earlier start for the highly anticipated NBA matchup. The region has experienced significant snowfall, with Charlotte receiving between 6 and 12 inches this past Saturday, and some northern metro areas reporting as much as 16 inches of accumulation. Transportation crews across all 100 counties of North Carolina are actively working to clear roads affected by snow and ice.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel while road clearing efforts are underway. The forecast for early February 2026 in Charlotte indicates cooler-than-average temperatures, around 42-43°F, with the month typically being wet, averaging 12 rainy days and 3.61 inches of precipitation. The threat of black ice also remains a concern in the Charlotte area overnight.
Fan Information and Safety Guidelines
For those attending the game, doors at the Spectrum Center will now open at 2 p.m. ET, one hour before the revised tip-off time. Fans are strongly encouraged to adhere to local weather guidance and exercise extreme caution if traveling to the arena. The organization has emphasized that fan safety remains its paramount concern during these challenging weather conditions.
Hornets’ Strong Performance Amidst Schedule Changes
The Charlotte Hornets enter this rescheduled contest in a strong position, currently riding a six-game winning streak, their longest in nearly a decade. This impressive run has seen the team improve its season record to 22-28. Despite the challenges posed by the weather-induced schedule adjustments, the Hornets have performed well in previous relocated games, holding a 3-0 record in such instances this season. The team is positioned 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, sitting just 1.5 games away from a play-in spot.
Key contributors to the Hornets’ recent success include Brandon Miller, who averages 20.8 points per game, and LaMelo Ball, contributing 19.0 points per game. Rookie forward Kon Knueppel has also garnered recognition, being named to the Castrol Rising Stars for the 2026 NBA All-Star event. The Hornets have demonstrated their prowess with dynamic wins over top Western Conference teams during their recent hot streak, including victories against Oklahoma City, Denver, and San Antonio.
Pelicans’ Season and Road Performance
Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans hold a season record of 13-38. They have managed to secure three victories in their last five games, but their road performance has been challenging, with a 5-19 away record. This Monday’s game against the Hornets marks the first of six home games for Charlotte out of their 11 February assignments.
The altered schedule highlights the impact of extreme weather on professional sports, underscoring the necessity for flexibility and prioritizing public safety in the face of natural events. The NBA and both teams involved are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all participants and attendees while navigating the winter storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new start time for the Hornets vs. Pelicans game?
The game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans will now tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Why was the game start time changed?
The game’s start time was changed due to inclement winter weather conditions, including a winter storm, snow, and icy road conditions, affecting the Charlotte region.
Where is the game being played?
The game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.
What is the Charlotte Hornets’ current winning streak?
The Charlotte Hornets are currently on a six-game winning streak.
What are the weather conditions like in Charlotte, NC?
The Charlotte area is experiencing a winter storm with snow accumulation between 6 and 12 inches, and there are concerns about black ice and bitterly cold air. Cooler-than-average temperatures are expected in early February.
What time do doors open for fans?
Doors for the game will open for all fans at 2 p.m. ET.
Key Game and Weather Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | NBA Game: Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans |
| Date | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| Original Start Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| New Start Time | 3 p.m. ET |
| Reason for Change | Inclement winter weather conditions (winter storm, snow, icy roads) in Charlotte, NC |
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Hornets’ Current Streak | Six-game winning streak |
| Hornets’ Season Record | 22-28 |
| Pelicans’ Season Record | 13-38 |
| Local Weather Impact | 6-12 inches of snow, black ice, bitterly cold air, cooler-than-average temperatures (Charlotte, NC) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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