Cavs vs. Hornets: Preview, Odds, Injury Report, TV

On By Littum

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cavs will put their franchise-record 14-game winning streak on the line Sunday when they host the Charlotte Hornets, who are coming off a hard-fought 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. A win would make the Cavs the fourth team in NBA history to start a season 15-0 or better.

The Cavs will be without Donovan Mitchell (rest), but Evan Mobley is likely after battling an illness. Even rock-hard, Cleveland’s top-ranked offense is still dangerous, with Darius Garland orchestrating a system that has averaged 123.4 points per game. match this season.

Containing LaMelo Ball, who is averaging nearly 30 points and 6.3 assists per game, will be Cleveland’s primary defensive focus. Rookie Brandon Miller, a versatile scorer who shoots 38.9% from three, also poses a threat the Cavs can’t overlook.

This is the second game in the Cavs’ first 40 games in which they have a rest advantage against their opponent. They will hope to use that to their advantage to continue their historic start.

Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:

WHO: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets

Series: First of four matchups in the regular game.

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

When: 6 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-10.5; O/U 224.5

TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Damage report

CAVS:

Out:

Donovan Mitchell (rest); Sam Merrill (ankle); Max Strus (ankle); Emoni Bates (knee/two-way).

Likely:

Evan Mobley (illness).

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