The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Charlotte Hornets in a Central vs. Southeast Division matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland is fighting for top-4 positioning in the East, while Charlotte looks to snap a three-game skid and build momentum with young talent. Expect a pace-controlled game favoring Cleveland’s defense and interior dominance.
Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Ohio, Bally Sports Southeast
Streaming: NBA League Pass, Fubo, DirecTV Stream
Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers: G Darius Garland – Questionable (ankle sprain, limited practice). F Dean Wade – Out (knee, 2–3 weeks). No other major absences; Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley fully expected to play.
Charlotte Hornets: G LaMelo Ball – Out (ankle, expected return Jan 28). F Brandon Miller – Questionable (hamstring tightness). G Tre Mann – Probable (illness). C Mark Williams – Out (foot).
Charlotte’s backcourt depth is heavily impacted without Ball.
Key Player Matchups
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) vs. Tre Mann/Nick Smith Jr. (CHA): Mitchell’s scoring explosion (27+ PPG) vs. Charlotte’s young guard speed.
Evan Mobley (CLE) vs. Mark Williams/Nick Richards (CHA): Mobley’s defensive versatility and rim protection vs. Charlotte’s young centers.
Jarrett Allen (CLE) vs. Jalen McDaniels (CHA): Allen’s rebounding and finishing vs. McDaniels’ length and versatility.
Darius Garland (if active) vs. Cody Martin: Garland’s playmaking vs. Martin’s defensive intensity.
Cleveland’s frontcourt size and depth should control the paint.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1):
Jan 19: W 118-109 @ Chicago
Jan 17: W 121-106 vs. Detroit
Jan 15: L 102-108 @ Boston
Jan 13: W 115-107 vs. Atlanta
Jan 11: W 127-118 @ Washington
Strong home offense (118 PPG last 5 home) and top-10 defense.
Charlotte Hornets (2-3):
Jan 19: L 104-116 vs. Orlando
Jan 17: W 122-115 @ Toronto
Jan 15: L 98-112 vs. Miami
Jan 13: L 107-119 @ Milwaukee
Jan 11: W 111-105 vs. Washington
Inconsistent scoring without Ball (avg. 108 PPG last 5).
Series History
Cleveland leads all-time series 68-54. Cavs have won the last four meetings, including both this season (Dec 12: CLE 122-107; Nov 8: CLE 118-109). Cleveland averages +9.5 margin in recent wins; games trend over 228.5 in 6 of last 8.
Betting Trends
Cleveland 13-7 ATS as home favorites this season; 7-3 ATS last 10 home games. Charlotte 5-15 ATS as road underdogs of 10+ points; 4-1 ATS last 5 road games. Overs hit in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 home games; 55% of Hornets games go over. Cleveland covers 58% when favored by 10+; Charlotte allows 118+ PPG on road.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 2.5
Charlotte Hornets 236.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026
