Indiana Pacers: Rick Carlisle will miss two-game road trip

The Indiana Pacers traveled to Memphis without head coach Rick Carlisle, who will miss the team’s upcoming road trip. The Pacers will face both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors in that time.

The Indiana Pacers are 25-48 at this point in the season, so they aren’t playing for actual wins. Rather, getting their young guy’s experience.

The reason for Carlisle’s absence is currently unknown, but hopefully, he is doing well and he is able to rejoin the team to finish out the season. He previously missed time in Covid-19 protocols and sat out against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks when they played in Indiana.

The Pacers had won their last two games before last night’s unfortunate late loss to the Kings. Tyrese Haliburton is coming off an incredible game in the passing department, scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds Wednesday night.

He leads the Pacers in minutes played with 36.6 a game. Right behind him is his teammate from Sacramento Buddy Hield, who averages 36.4.

The last time Lloyd Pierce was the acting head coach for the Pacers, Brad Wannamaker gave him 2 points in 11 minutes. Eight players have left the roster since then, a few months ago.

Those eight players are, Sabonis, Holiday, Lamb, Craig, LeVert, Kelan Martin, Brad Wannamaker, and DeJon Jarreau.

Pierce will have a difficult task in the Memphis Grizzlies, who remain second in the west with a record of 50-23. Although they will be without Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have shown they are capable of handling the Pacers shorthanded.

Rick Carlisle had this to say after missing time due to covid-19 earlier this season.

"“It’s great to watch the broadcasts and to see the game flow from afar,” Carlisle said. “Again, it’s a different perspective. The game slows down a lot when you’re that far removed from it. And it’s a healthy thing to experience, but I think 10 days is enough.”"