Gregg Popovich Out Friday

Gregg Popovich had a minor medical procedure that caused him to miss Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs beat the Pacers 106-100 under the direction of assistant Ettore Messina, who became the first European-born coach to lead an NBA team during the regular season. Messina is a well known and well respected international coach and the Spurs seem to have full confidence in his abilities.

Messina’s previous experience and awards speak beyond the compliments from his coaching peers. Messina is a two-time Euroleague coach of the year/ His coaching experience also includes being a coach in Russia, Italy and Spain. Popovich is 65 years old and is in his 18th season as head coach of the Spurs.

Manu Ginobili lead the Spurs to their fifth straight win (10-4), with 28 points. Ginobili used to play under Messina in 2001 in Bologna. While Ginobili was only able to score most of his 28 points in the second half, Tony Parker had 21 points, Kawhi Leonard had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Tim Duncan had 17 points. A full group effort, rallying under the direction of a substitute coach shows the true potential that the Spurs have.

The Spurs will host Sacramento on Friday and this is their chance to maintain their winning streak while getting a chance to repay the Kings for their defeat two weeks ago. Last time the Kings and Spurs met, the Kings beat the Spurs at home, 94-91. The Spurs are predicted to be without Popovich again today.

The Kings won three straight before losing to Houston on Wednesday 102-89. The Spurs are looking to continue their win streak at home.