Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Broadcast: Local options including DAZN-CLE, WAXN, and DAZN-CHA; radio (e.g., WTAM for Cavaliers side).
This Eastern Conference matchup features two teams in early-season form struggles. Cleveland sits at .500 and seventh in the East after a mixed start, while Charlotte is mired in a six-game losing streak and ranks near the bottom of the conference. The Cavaliers begin a three-game road trip; the Hornets hope a two-day rest helps them snap their skid at home.
Current Player Rosters
Cavaliers key players/rotation: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Peyton Watson, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant, Craig Porter Jr., Tyrese Proctor, Meleek Thomas, plus depth/two-ways (Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Khalifa Diop, Riley Minix, Norchad Omier, Ernest Udeh Jr., etc.).
Hornets key players/rotation: Brandon Miller, Coby White, Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Dennis Schröder, Moussa Diabaté, Kon Knueppel, Royce O’Neale, Tidjane Salaün, Grant Williams, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, plus depth (Liam McNeeley, Hannes Steinbach, Christian Anderson, etc.).
Listed Injury Reports
Cavaliers:
Jarrett Allen (C): Questionable/day-to-day (right knee contusion; missed recent action).
Sam Merrill (G): Out (right elbow).
Jaylon Tyson (G/F): Out (right ankle sprain).
Nae’Qwan Tomlin (F): Out (low back stress reaction).
Additional two-ways/G League assignments noted in some reports.
Hornets:
Brandon Miller (F): Out (right hip/groin strain; suffered in recent loss).
Dennis Schröder (G): Out (left hamstring strain; multi-week timeline in some updates).
Grant Williams (F): Out (right hamstring strain).
Kon Knueppel (G/F): Out (left hamstring strain; longer-term in some reports).
Moussa Diabaté (F/C): Questionable/day-to-day (right quadriceps).
Both sides are shorthanded in the frontcourt and on the wings. Cleveland’s interior depth takes a hit without Allen (or with him limited); Charlotte is missing multiple key scorers and creators.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Donovan Mitchell / James Harden vs. Coby White / Grayson Allen / remaining guards: Elite scoring and playmaking from Cleveland’s backcourt against Charlotte’s remaining perimeter options. Mitchell’s scoring volume and Harden’s facilitation will be central.
Evan Mobley vs. Naz Reid / Moussa Diabaté (if active) / Ryan Kalkbrenner: Size, defense, and versatility in the frontcourt. Mobley’s two-way impact is a major edge if Allen is limited.
Peyton Watson / Mario Hezonja vs. Tidjane Salaün / Royce O’Neale: Wing athleticism, defense, and secondary scoring.
Overall: Cleveland’s star power and defensive structure vs. Charlotte’s home effort and remaining depth (Reid’s production is key for the Hornets).
Cleveland holds clear advantages in talent and experience when healthy, amplified by Charlotte’s lengthy injury list.
Recent Team Forms
Cavaliers (5-5): Inconsistent, with three losses in the last four games (including a recent home loss to the Knicks). Capable of strong offensive outbursts (high scoring averages early) but vulnerable on the road (1-3 away in some reports). Positive net rating overall despite the .500 record.
Hornets (3-7): On a six-game losing streak, including a lopsided home loss to Boston. Offense has struggled significantly (league-low scoring in some metrics), with defensive issues compounding the skid. Two days of rest may help, but injuries have limited cohesion.
Series History
Cleveland has dominated recent meetings, winning the large majority of the last several contests (including strong results in 2025-26 and early recent history). The Cavaliers are particularly strong at Spectrum Center in recent years (multiple consecutive road wins noted). This is an early 2026-27 matchup in a three-game season series.
Betting Trends
Unders have been common in Hornets games amid their offensive struggles. Cleveland has mixed ATS results early; large favorites often see public action on the chalk. Charlotte’s home underdog status and rest edge could keep the spread tight if Cleveland starts slowly on the road. Watch for late injury news (especially Allen and Diabaté) to move the number.
Cleveland’s superior scoring attack (Mitchell and Harden) and frontcourt presence should overcome the road setting and any lingering form issues. Charlotte can compete early with home energy and contributions from Reid/Allen/White, but the injury absences and recent offensive struggles make a comeback unlikely. Expect Cleveland to pull away in the second half.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 8
Charlotte Hornets 215
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Sunday, November 8, 2026
