Carlisle will miss multiple games due to positive COVID-19 test
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will miss multiple games after a positive PCR test for COVID-19, the team announced Friday.
Pacers assistant Lloyd Pierce will assume Carlisle's duties starting with Friday's visit from the Dallas Mavericks.
Carlisle tested positive for COVID-19 following Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks. He's required to isolate for 10 days or until he's able to produce two negative tests within a 24-hour period.
Carlisle, who said he's been fully vaccinated since January, missed one game last season after returning a false positive test while in charge of the Mavericks.
The Pacers and Toronto Raptors both canceled practice on Thursday due to health and safety protocols.
Carlisle is in his first campaign with the Pacers after coaching the Dallas Mavericks for 13 seasons. Indiana is off to a slow start at 11-16 and has reportedly considered a rebuild.
Upcoming schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 10 | vs. Mavericks | 7:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 13 | vs. Warriors | 7:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 15 | at Bucks | 8:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 16 | vs. Pistons | 7:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 21 | at Heat | 7:30 p.m. |