Hornets coach Steve Clifford to take leave of absence to address health

— -- Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford is taking a leave of absence "for the immediate future" to address his health, the team said in a statement Wednesday.

The Hornets said there is no timetable for the return of Clifford, who also missed Monday's game against Orlando for what the team only said was an illness.

Associate head coach Stephen Silas, as he did during Monday's win over Orlando, will take over as head coach during Clifford's absence.

The Hornets (9-13) are third in the Southeast Division, three games behind Washington. Charlotte hosts Golden State on Wednesday night (8 p.m., ESPN).