Tim Duncan will coach the San Antonio Spurs against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday as Gregg Popovich misses due to "personal business".

An NBA great with the Spurs, Duncan returned to San Antonio as an assistant coach ahead of this season.

He will lead the Spurs against the Hornets at the Spectrum Center, the team announced.

"Gregg Popovich will miss tonight's Spurs-Hornets game due to personal business," the Spurs wrote on Twitter.

"Tim Duncan will serve as the Spurs head coach tonight in place of Pop."

San Antonio (25-34) are 12th in the Western Conference, while the Hornets (21-39) have also struggled this season.

Duncan spent the entirety of his playing career with the Spurs, winning five championships and two MVP awards.