N.Y. storm threatens Brooklyn Nets' debut

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The debut of the relocated Brooklyn Nets could be postponed due to the devastation wrought in New York by Hurricane Sandy, an NBA official said Tuesday.

Tim Frank, the NBA's senior vice president for communications, told The New York Times the situation for Thursday's opener was up in the air after Sandy's storm surge forced the shutdown of mass transit lines serving the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

"Tonight's games will be played," Frank told the newspaper in an email. "We are still assessing the situation with regards to the rest of the week."

The former New Jersey Nets were set to play the first game in the new Brooklyn arena against the New York Knicks. But the facility -- situated at Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues in Brooklyn's busiest intersection -- depends on subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road to transport fans there.

All 11 subway and rail lines serving the arena were closed Tuesday, the Times said.

The Nets were also scheduled to host games Saturday against Toronto and Monday against Minnesota.