In the midst of a challenging season, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is prioritizing family. Following Tuesday's loss to Minnesota, Carlisle announced he will miss the team's next two games to attend his only daughter's spring formal.

The Pacers, holding the league's second-worst record and mired in a three-game skid, will be led by assistant Lloyd Pierce for matchups in Brooklyn and at home against Philadelphia. Carlisle is scheduled to return to the bench for Sunday's season finale.

This personal decision comes during a difficult stretch for the franchise, which has been plagued by injuries, most notably the absence of All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Coach Carlisle expressed gratitude to team ownership and management for supporting his choice to be there for this important family milestone.