The NBA has officially postponed Saturday's nationally televised matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves following a fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier today. The league announced the decision just hours before the scheduled tip-off at the Target Center, citing the need to "prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community" as protests intensified near the arena.

Breaking: NBA Game Postponed Today Due to Safety Concerns

The highly anticipated contest, originally set for broadcast on ABC, has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time). The postponement comes in the wake of the shooting death of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in South Minneapolis. This incident marks the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in the city this month, sparking immediate and widespread unrest.

With demonstrators gathering near Nicollet Avenue and reports of tear gas being deployed less than two miles from the Target Center, the NBA acted swiftly. In a statement released shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time, the league confirmed that the Warriors vs Timberwolves postponed game would create a unique scheduling quirk, forcing the two teams to play a back-to-back set in Minneapolis on Sunday and Monday nights.

Minneapolis Shooting Rattle City and NBA Schedule

The incident that led to the cancellation occurred Saturday morning when federal agents, reportedly conducting a "targeted immigration enforcement operation," shot and killed Pretti. DHS spokespeople alleged the victim, an ICU nurse at the Veterans Administration, approached officers with a handgun and "violently resisted" disarmament. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara clarified that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, adding a layer of complexity and public outrage to the tragedy.

The Minneapolis shooting NBA ramifications were immediate. As news spread, crowds began to chant "ICE Out" and confronted federal officers, leading to the deployment of chemical munitions. Given the proximity of the unrest to the downtown corridor where the Timberwolves play, NBA safety and security protocols were activated to ensure the wellbeing of players, staff, and fans.

Governor Walz and Community Reactions

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a blistering statement shortly after the news broke, characterizing the federal operation as an "absolute abomination." "Minnesota has had it," Walz posted on social media, calling for the immediate removal of federal agents from the state. His sentiments reflected the high tension in the city, which has been on edge since the January 7 shooting of Renee Good by ICE officers.

For the Golden State Warriors news cycle, this postponement adds a layer of logistical difficulty. The team, which flew into Minneapolis early Friday to avoid winter storms, now faces an extended stay and a compressed schedule. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, known for his outspoken stance on gun violence and social issues, is expected to address the media regarding the situation later this evening.

Schedule Update: Timberwolves vs. Warriors Back-to-Back

Fans holding tickets for the Minnesota Timberwolves schedule dates should note the changes immediately. Saturday's postponed game will now take place Sunday, while Monday's previously scheduled game between the same two teams remains unaffected. This results in a rare "baseball-style" series where the teams will face off in the same arena on consecutive nights.

  • Rescheduled Game: Sunday, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. ET
  • Regularly Scheduled Game: Monday, Jan. 26, 8:00 p.m. ET

The breaking NBA news 2026 cycle continues to monitor the situation on the ground. The Timberwolves organization expressed support for the community, stating that basketball takes a backseat when public safety and human life are at risk. Local authorities have advised fans to avoid the downtown area near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue until the situation stabilizes.