The Charlotte Hornets travel to Cleveland on Monday, December 22, to face the Cavaliers at 7:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Charlotte enters with a 9-19 record, while Cleveland sits at 15-14, both looking to snap current losing streaks.
Charlotte is dealing with multiple injury concerns. LaMelo Ball is probable with right wrist soreness, while Collin Sexton is doubtful due to a left quadriceps strain. Ryan Kalkbrenner is questionable with a left elbow sprain, and Grant Williams is out with right knee soreness. Several players are unavailable due to G League assignments, including Drew Peterson and Antonio Reeves.
Cleveland’s injury report is also significant. Donovan Mitchell is probable after illness, while Evan Mobley and Larry Nance Jr. remain out with calf injuries. Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. are probable, Max Strus is sidelined following left foot surgery, and Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are unavailable due to two-way contracts.
The teams met earlier this season on December 14, with Charlotte edging Cleveland 119-111 in overtime at home. The Cavaliers are entering on a three-game losing streak, while the Hornets lost their last outing 86-112 to Detroit after beating Atlanta two nights earlier.
Miles Bridges leads Charlotte with 21.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while Brandon Miller contributes 17.8 points and 4.2 rebounds. Ball has averaged 19.2 points and 8.6 assists when healthy, making his probable status a key factor.
For Cleveland, Mitchell is the centerpiece, averaging 30.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Mobley’s absence leaves Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter to handle frontcourt responsibilities.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET.
