Game Details
- Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM PST).
- Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
- TV/Streaming: FDSSE, FDSOH, NBA League Pass.
This Eastern Conference matchup is the third meeting of the season, with the Cavaliers winning the first two, including a 94-87 road victory on January 21, 2026. The Cavs enter on a six-game winning streak post-All-Star break, aiming to extend their dominance over a Hornets team that’s been competitive but inconsistent lately. Both squads play on the second night of a back-to-back, potentially leading to fatigue-influenced play.
Recent Team Forms
The Cavaliers are 11-1 in their last 12 games and 13-2 over their last 15, averaging 118.5 PPG while allowing 109.2 PPG for a +9.3 differential. The Hornets are 6-4 in their last 10, averaging 115.7 PPG and conceding 113.8 PPG for a +1.9 differential.
Cleveland Cavaliers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Notes |
| Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W | 112-84 | Dominant defense; held Nets to 84 points, Harden debut strong. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | @ Toronto Raptors | W | 120-115 | Mitchell 28 PTS; overcame late rally. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W | 118-110 | Balanced scoring; 7 players in double figures. |
| Feb 8, 2026 | @ Chicago Bulls | W | 115-108 | Allen double-double (22 PTS, 12 REB). |
| Feb 6, 2026 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W | 122-105 | Hot shooting (52% FG); extended streak. |
The Cavs have won six straight, showcasing elite defense (top-5 rating) and improved offense with recent additions like James Harden.
Charlotte Hornets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Notes |
| Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Houston Rockets | L | 101-105 | Close loss; Ball 25 PTS, but 18 TOs. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W | 112-108 | Knueppel 22 PTS; strong fourth quarter. |
| Feb 9, 2026 | vs. Miami Heat | W | 110-102 | Miller 24 PTS; solid rebounding (48 total). |
| Feb 7, 2026 | @ Orlando Magic | L | 105-112 | Defensive lapses; allowed 112 on 49% FG. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W | 115-110 | Ball triple-double; edged high-scorer. |
The Hornets have alternated wins and losses, with a potent offense led by LaMelo Ball but vulnerabilities on defense (ranked 16th in points allowed).
Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Max Strus: Out (Foot) – Expected return February 27.
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- Nae’Qwan Tomlin: Questionable (Calf Soreness).
- G League/Assignments: Emanuel Miller, Tristan Enaruna, Riley Minix – Out.
Charlotte Hornets:
- Miles Bridges: Out (League Suspension) – Until February 24.
- Moussa Diabate: Out (League Suspension) – Until February 24.
- Coby White: Questionable (Left Calf Strain).
- Liam McNeeley: Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain).
The Cavs’ absences weaken their shooting, while the Hornets miss Bridges’ scoring and Diabate’s rebounding.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) vs. LaMelo Ball (Hornets): Mitchell (26+ PPG) faces Ball’s playmaking (25 PPG, 7+ AST); a high-scoring guard duel.
- Jarrett Allen (Cavs) vs. Hornets Frontcourt (e.g., Grant Williams, Ryan Kalkbrenner): Allen’s rebounding (12+ RPG) could exploit Charlotte’s interior (ranked 20th in REB); expect double-doubles.
- Evan Mobley (Cavs) vs. Brandon Miller (Hornets): Mobley’s defense vs. Miller’s scoring (20+ PPG); key for Cavs’ paint protection.
- Rookie Watch: Kon Knueppel (Hornets) vs. Cavs Wings: Knueppel’s 3-point shooting (3.5+ makes) could stretch Cleveland’s defense if he exploits mismatches.
These matchups highlight Cleveland’s size advantage vs. Charlotte’s perimeter threats.
Series History
The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 81-52 in 133 regular-season games.
In the last 10 head-to-heads, Cleveland is 7-3. This season, the series is 2-0 for the Cavs:
- January 21, 2026: Cavaliers 94-87 (at Charlotte).
- December 22, 2025: Cavaliers 139-132 (at Cleveland).
Games have averaged 230 points recently, with the Cavs on a two-game win streak.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games and 6-0 SU overall, but 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Charlotte. The Hornets are 20-15 ATS as underdogs and have hit the moneyline in 20 of their last 35 games (+18.20 units ROI). The under has hit in 11 of Charlotte’s last 15 home games and 7 of the last 10 series matchups.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 5.5
Charlotte Hornets 230.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, February 19, 2026
