INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will miss multiple games after testing positive for COVID-19, the team confirmed Friday.
With Carlisle under the National Basketball Association's health and safety protocols, assistant coach Lloyd Pierce will assume head coaching duties.
Pierce is in his first season as an assistant with the Pacers after serving as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2018-21.
ESPN reported the Pacers canceled practice Thursday out of "an abundance of caution."
The Pacers (11-16) host the Dallas Mavericks Friday, Dec. 10 and the Golden State Warriors Monday, Dec. 13. Tipoff for both games is set for 7 p.m. ET. Friday was scheduled to be the first meeting between Carlisle and his former team.
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