Spurs-pacers Games In Paris Have A Notable Absence, With Gregg Popovich Recovering At Home

Indiana's Rick Carlisle has coached more games against San Antonio's Gregg Popovich than anyone else. They've had 87 head-to-head matchups, including playoffs.

Thursday was supposed to be No. 88.

It won't happen, and nobody knows when - or if - Popovich will be back on the Spurs' sideline. Popovich's absence is a glaring one in Paris this week for the pair of NBA matchups between the Pacers and Spurs on Thursday and Saturday he's back home, recovering from a November stroke.

The Spurs say he's making progress. Some coaches from around the league have heard the same. That's about the extent of the updates nobody says much more than that out of respect for Popovich and his privacy.

"He's really an institution and he's been such a constant," Carlisle said. "It's different not seeing him. But I've had some communication with him. He's doing better all the time. And the hope is he'll be back."