Popovich, Parker head Spurs contingent nominated to Hall of Fame

Popovich, Tony Parker and Becky Hammon are first-time nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2023. Michael Finley and Pau Gasol are also nominated. Finalists from the North American and Women's committee for Class will be announced on Feb. 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The entire class will get enshrined on August 12 in Sprinfield, Mass. The enshrinement will take place during the NCAA Final Four in Houston. It will air on a nationally televised broadcast.

The Spurs bench impressed their players with their performance in Monday's win at Houston. Five of the team's reserves scored in double figures. The team is confident ahead of their game in New Orleans. Jeremy Sochan has come off the bench in three of his last four games. He is a versatile player who can play as a point guard or a forward. Popovich likes the addition of Stanley Johnson. His team won 124-105. Keita Bates-Diop started in place of Keldon Johnson, who was injured. It was the second time in the last six years that at least five reserves score in a game.

Josh Richardson has returned to the Spurs after a death in his family. Richardson is expected to be available for the game against the Pelicans on Thursday. Keldon Johnson is also expected back after he sat out Monday's game.