Hornets seek redemption as Cavaliers grapple with injuries
After suffering a disappointing fourth-quarter collapse just two nights ago, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves with an opportunity for redemption. The Hornets (7-18, 3-7 in their last 10) travel to Cleveland to face off against the Cavaliers (15-11, 5-5 in their last 10), a team that has struggled to meet the high expectations set during the offseason.
Cavaliers’ Struggles Amid Injury Setbacks
Last season, Cleveland soared to the top of the Eastern Conference, securing the number one seed. With the addition of Lonzo Ball among other offseason tweaks, the Cavaliers appeared poised to replicate that success. However, they have encountered a series of injuries to key players that have derailed their ambitions. Notably, All-Star power forward Evan Mobley is sidelined, and fellow All-Star Jarrett Allen is also uncertain for today’s matchup. This has resulted in uncharacteristically poor performances from players like Darius Garland and DeAndre Hunter, leaving Cleveland vulnerable as they slide down the conference standings.
An Upset Within Reach for Charlotte
While an upset might seem far-fetched, the Hornets do have a chance to capitalize on the Cavaliers’ misfortunes. Without Mobley and possibly Allen, Charlotte could find success attacking the paint. The Cavaliers have struggled with fouls, ranking fourth worst in the league, and without their top interior defenders, the Hornets might be able to score frequently at the free-throw line.
Conversely, the Cavaliers will look to exploit Charlotte’s defensive weaknesses, particularly around the three-point line. The Hornets have shown a tendency to allow opposing shooters to flourish from deep, and the Cavaliers have no hesitation in launching three-pointers. Despite Cleveland’s struggles from beyond the arc, ranking among the bottom five in shooting percentage, the presence of the Hornets could provide a much-needed boost to their shooting confidence.
Key Strategies for Charlotte’s Success
For the Hornets to pull off a surprising victory, two strategies must be prioritized:
Win the Free-Throw Battle: Taking advantage of the Cavaliers’ foul issues will be crucial. The Hornets need to drive to the basket and draw fouls to capitalize on free-throw opportunities.
Limit Cleveland’s Three-Point Production: Even if the Cavaliers aren’t shooting well, they will continue to take shots from deep. Charlotte’s defense must tighten to prevent open looks, especially from players like Donovan Mitchell.
Key Matchup: Donovan Mitchell vs. Brandon Miller
The spotlight will shine brightly on the matchup between veteran guard Donovan Mitchell and Charlotte’s promising rookie, Brandon Miller. Mitchell, currently one of the league’s premier scorers, ranks fourth overall with a career-high average of 31.4 points per game. His ability to score at all three levels—at the rim, in the mid-range, and from three—makes him a constant threat.
Miller will likely draw the assignment to guard Mitchell, but after a challenging defensive outing against the Bulls, he has much to prove. He struggled to contain opposing ball-handlers and will need to step up his game on the defensive end if Charlotte hopes to secure a win. Additionally, Miller’s shooting has been underwhelming, connecting on only 7 of his last 24 three-pointers, resulting in a mere 28% shooting percentage this season. Improved performance on both ends of the court will be essential for him today.
Projected Starting Lineups
Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard: KJ Simpson
Shooting Guard: Kon Knueppel
Small Forward: Brandon Miller
Power Forward: Miles Bridges
Center: Ryan Kalkbrenner
Cleveland Cavaliers
Point Guard: Darius Garland
Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell
Small Forward: Jaylon Tyson
Power Forward: DeAndre Hunter
Center: Jarrett Allen (if available)
As both teams take to the court, the stakes are high for the Hornets, who aim for a much-needed victory against a Cavaliers squad battling through adversity. The outcome remains uncertain, but the potential for an upset is palpable.
