The Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Sunday, December 14, at 3:30 PM ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, with both teams managing lengthy injury reports that could shape rotations and matchups.
Charlotte enters the road game with a 7–18 record and a two-game losing streak, while Cleveland stands at 15–11 and is coming off a home win over Washington.
The Hornets will again be without LaMelo Ball, who remains out with a left ankle bone bruise after appearing in only 16 games this season. His absence removes the team’s primary playmaker, as Ball averages 8.5 assists and 19.4 points per game.
Charlotte is also sidelined without Collin Sexton, who is dealing with a left quadriceps strain after averaging 15.5 points and 4.2 assists. Tre Mann remains out with a right knee bone bruise, further thinning the backcourt rotation.
Grant Williams continues to be unavailable following right knee surgery, limiting frontcourt depth and defensive versatility. Pat Connaughton is also out with a right calf strain, while Liam McNeeley and Antonio Reeves are away on G League assignments.
Tidjane Salaun is listed as questionable due to left hip soreness, which could affect Charlotte’s forward minutes if he is unable to go. The rookie has averaged 6.3 points in limited action and has shot efficiently in a small sample.
Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel are expected to shoulder the offensive load, as they combine for 40.0 points per game. Brandon Miller remains on a minutes-managed role after appearing in nine games this season.
Cleveland’s injury report is also significant, starting with Evan Mobley, who is out with a left calf strain. Mobley averages 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, making his absence notable on both ends.
Jarrett Allen is listed as probable with a right third finger strain, and his availability is important with Mobley sidelined. Allen averages 14.3 points and 7.6 rebounds while anchoring the interior.
The Cavaliers will also be without Max Strus, who continues to recover from left foot surgery related to a Jones fracture. Sam Merrill is out with a right hand sprain, removing a high-volume perimeter shooter from the rotation.
Larry Nance Jr. remains sidelined with a right calf strain, while Luke Travers and Chris Livingston are unavailable due to G League assignments.
Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 31.3 points per game and has carried the scoring burden consistently. Darius Garland remains limited to 10 appearances this season but is expected to continue managing the offense.
This matchup marks the first meeting between the teams this season.
