Magic's Jamahl Mosley, Nate Tibbetts enter COVID-19 protocols

The reeling Orlando Magic shared some unfortunate news ahead of Monday's home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Orlando confirmed that head coach Jamahl Mosley and assistant Nate Tibbetts have both entered the NBA's health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. As a result, assistant coach Jesse Mermuys will serve as acting head coach until Mosley is cleared to return to in-person work. 

As noted by Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel, Mermuys worked as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2016-19 and then with the Sacramento Kings in a similar role from 2019 through last season. Under Mosley, the Magic have struggled and fell to 8-36 on the campaign via Saturday's 108-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. According to The Associated Press (h/t NBA), Dallas made 38 trips to the free-throw line in that victory. 

"They got guys that know how to draw fouls,'' Mosley said after the defeat. 'Defending without fouling has to be a primary thing for us. Thirty-eight free throws is way too many.''

The last-place Magic play at the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.