Sandy brings uncertainty to NBA games, NYC marathon

With much of the Northeast immersed in the recovery from superstorm Sandy’s devastating blow, the NFL and NBA plan to carry on with their schedules.

New York City Marathon organizers hope the course will be clear by Sunday and runners can get to the starting line in Staten Island.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said through his Twitter account the season-opening games Tuesday night in Miami, Los Angeles and Cleveland were set to tip off on time.

“For the many asking: Tonight’s NBA games will be played. We are still assessing the situation with regards to the rest of the week,” he tweeted.

Of concern: Philadelphia is supposed to host its opener on Wednesday. And the Nets’ first game at their new Brooklyn home against the crosstown-rival Knicks on Thursday could be in jeopardy, too. The new arena is heavily dependent on mass transit, and with the New York subways and commuter rail out for what is expected to be several days, the league may choose to postpone that party if fans are kept away.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin believes Sunday’s game in Jersey against the New York Giants will go on as scheduled and plans to prepare that way. Tomlin said he understands the league will be looking at any logistical issues caused by the storm’s aftermath.

Five days before 50,000 runners take to the course that meanders through the streets of New York City’s five boroughs, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he expects the marathon to go on as scheduled. Race organizers were moving forward with their plans — leaving open the possibility of changes from past years.