The San Antonio Spurs' trip to Paris has included a mixture of food, fun, culture and winning. The only thing missing is Gregg Popovich

With the San Antonio Spurs in Paris for a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers this week, the absence of coach Gregg Popovich looms over what would otherwise be a showcase for the NBA and second-year French star Victor Wembanyama.

Indiana's Rick Carlisle has coached more games against San Antonio's Gregg Popovich than anyone else. They've had 87 head-to-head matchups, including playoffs. Thursday was supposed to be No. 88. It won't happen,