Hornets' Jefferson cleared to play; 5-game suspension to start Wednesday

Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson has been cleared to play by the team after a six-game absence due to a calf injury, but now must begin serving a five-game suspension due to a violation of the NBA's anti-drug program.

The league levied the suspension Dec. 9, while he was sidelined with a left calf strain. Because games missed to injury can't count toward suspensions, Jefferson will be out of action another week.

The suspension begins Wednesday against the Orlando Magic.

The veteran big man is third on the team in both scoring and rebounds, but his numbers are down from his career averages. The Hornets have gone 4-2 in his absence, and have also been without small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the entire season.

Still, as of Wednesday, Charlotte sits fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Spencer Hawes and rookie Frank Kaminsky have been seeing more minutes with Jefferson out.

Jefferson is now eligible to return to game action Dec. 26 against the Memphis Grizzlies.