Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game Preview

Getting you set for today's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers

Injury Report 

Charlotte Hornets - Out: LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Cody Martin (Knee) Doubtful: Mark Williams (Thumb Sprain) Probable: Kelly Oubre (Back)

Cleveland Cavaliers - Out: Jarrett Allen (Eye)

Game Preview

The Hornets take on Cleveland on Tuesday at a tip-off time of 7 PM EST. This will be the second matchup that they have had in a few days. Unfortunately, the Hornets lost to the Cavaliers Sunday, 114-108. They also faced each other on November 19th and again, the Hornets lost in double OT 132-122. So the Cavs currently edge the Hornets in the regular season 2-0.

The Cavaliers are still in fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings and are just a few games behind Philadelphia for third. Cleveland has impressed with being a Top 10 team in offense and Top 5 on defense. Acquiring Donovan Mitchell has helped with that as well as hitting on multiple draft choices. The Hornets on the other hand are ranked 4th in the draft lottery. The playoff hopes have seemingly dashed with the number of injuries the team has suffered with. 

Key Matchup: Evan Mobley vs Nick Richards

A few days ago the matchup to watch was Evan Mobley vs PJ Washington. Let's shake things up a bit for tonight with Evan Mobley vs Nick Richards.

Mobley has easily been regarded as one of the best 1st round picks in the 2021 NBA Draft and has been one of the main pieces to this Cavaliers squad. Over the last six games, Mobley has averaged 16.4 PTS, 10 REB, 3.2 AST, 1 STL, and 1.7 BLK per game, leaving his mark on both ends of the floor.

While Nick Richards has mainly served as the backup to Mason Plumlee and Mark Williams, he has gone under the radar for the Hornets this season and has become a bit of a hidden gem for the Hornets.

In fact, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, Richards is the current leader of 133.6 points per shot attempt (PSA) on the Hornets. Richards even did great a few days ago with his double-double performance and putting him against Mobley would be an intriguing matchup.

This matchup is a look into the future. If both can continue to develop, then they can be a big part of their respective organizations long-term. Let's see how they both perform in this matchup.

Predicted Starting Five

Position	 Cleveland Cavaliers	Charlotte Hornets
PG	Darius Garland	Terry Rozier
SG	Donavan Mitchell	Dennis Smith Jr.
SF	Isaac Okoro	Gordon Hayward
PF	Lamar Stevens	PJ Washington
C	Evan Mobley	Nick Richards

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