Magic coach Steve Clifford tests positive for COVID-19

Magic coach Steve Clifford has returned a positive COVID-19 test, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Charania says that Clifford has received his first vaccine and is considered asymptomatic, and there’s hope that the test result is a false positive. Results of the tests are considered inconclusive, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Magic canceled Saturday’s practice, according to Roy Parry of The Orlando Sentinel, but a team official said they are hopeful they can play Sunday’s game against the Pacers. 

Clifford held a Zoom call with reporters and said he has no COVID-19 symptoms and feels fine, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Clifford said he had a positive test Thursday night, followed by two negative tests Friday and another positive this morning. He underwent another test on Saturday and will be tested again Sunday morning. 

Clifford added that one of the officials from Tuesday’s game in Atlanta tested positive for the virus, which put the Magic in an enhanced protocol, via Robbins. Assistant coach Tyrone Corbin would take over if Clifford isn’t cleared to coach Sunday.

“I don’t see a way that I coach tomorrow night. Monday, maybe,” Clifford said. “Then I guess if all these tests are negative it could be a chance by the time we go on the road,” via Robbins.

Clifford, 59, is in his third season as head coach in Orlando.