DALLAS -- Despite the snowstorm that belted North Texas on Thursday, NBA officials said events surrounding All-Star Weekend are still on schedule.
The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning is in effect for the Dallas/Fort Worth area until midnight Thursday with an estimated snowfall accumulation of 4-6 inches by Thursday night.
Injuries to All-Stars like Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (sore left ankle) and Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (bruised right hip) have been topics of discussion, but now weather -- and how it might affect travel plans, especially for those coming from the East Coast -- might be the story.
"All of the events and activities are on schedule and have not been impacted
by the weather," Tim Frank, NBA senior vice president for basketball communications, said Thursday. "As far as players, hopefully not. But we'll be monitoring it."
Players scheduled to participate in the All-Star Game and other NBA-related activities are expected to arrive in Dallas on Thursday and Friday.
"We've had weather issues in the past, and players keep us up to date on their
travel schedules," Frank said.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said when he and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones partnered up to bring the game to North Texas, weather concerns were a small factor.
"Never considered we would have a snowstorm," Cuban said in an e-mail to ESPNDallas on Thursday morning. "I'm not worried about events taking place. I'm worried about people driving and getting around. Hopefully the roads will be OK."
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout are scheduled for Saturday at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. The All-Star Game will be held Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
Snow is not in the forecast for Saturday or Sunday. Saturday's temperatures are expected to be as high as 55, and Sunday's high will be 48 with the low around 28.