The Charlotte Hornets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Spectrum Center on Friday at 7 p.m. est. This is another pivotal Eastern Conference matchup as both teams are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in several years.
Charlotte enters this game in a stretch of bad form after losing two straight to the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics. Cleveland is coming off of a horrible loss to the Houston Rockets so both teams have plenty of fuel heading into Friday night.
Odds for Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Charlotte enters tonight as 5.5-point favorites against the Cavaliers, according to WynnBet. This is honestly something I was surprised to see. It feels like if there were anything designed to beat the Hornets, it’s the Cavaliers. Even without Darius Garland, the duo of Jarrett Allen (who has an argument to be an All-Star) and Evan Mobley (the likely rookie of the year), are sure to give Charlotte some fits.
Streaming Info for Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
TV: Bally Sports Southeast, NBA TV!!!
Radio: WFNZ 610
NBA TV tonight for those who have it! If you need a live stream, check out FUBO TV for a free trial.
Storylines for Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Hornets should have some fire in their eyes after the NBA All-Star Reserves were announced on Thursday night. The star-duo of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges will both miss out on this year’s All-Star game in Cleveland unless they replace an older selected player.
Unfortunately, Ball won’t be matching up against Cleveland point guard Garland tonight who got the nod ahead of him. Garland will be out tonight due to an injury. Even though Garland won’t be playing, Ball and Bridges should be both be looking to amp it up a notch to prove voters wrong from here on out.
The four-game series between this team currently sits at 1-1, with the Cavs winning the most recent matchup 113-110. This isn’t the same Cavs that the Hornets faced off against in November. This team currently sits at 5th in the East with a record of 31-21. If the Hornets can grab a win tonight that could be a crucial victory at the end of this season.
Injuries for Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Hornets:
Gordon Hayward (return from H&S protocols) – QUESTIONABLE
Jalen McDaniels (ankle) – OUT
Cavaliers:
Darius Garland (back) – OUT
Lauri Markkanen (ankle) – OUT