Gregg Popovich has been forced to hand coaching duties to Ettore Messina on a temporary basis after undergoing what the San Antonio Spurs have described as a "minor medical procedure" earlier this week.
The NBA champions have refused to reveal further details about the procedure, but the 65-year-old did not appear at the AT&T Center for his side's meeting with the Indiana Pacers.
According to the Spurs, Popovich could also miss the game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday evening, with Messina continuing to deputise for at least the remainder of the week.
"It's not what you want, but the good thing is that obviously it's nothing big or you would not see me here so relaxed," Messina told reporters before the game against the Pacers.
Messina was hired by San Antonio in July after parting company with CSKA Moscow earlier in the year.
