Hornets coach on medical leave

Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford will be away from the team “for the immediate future to his address his health,” the team announced Wednesday. Hornets associate head coach Ste-

phen Silas will take over in Clifford’s absence. There is no timetable for his return. Clifford missed Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic. Four years ago, Clifford had a procedure to have two stents placed in his heart after he checked himself into a hospital with chest pains.