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Back to NBA games · Nov 9, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets, Nov 9, 2026

NBA · 2026-27Nov 9, 2026 · FinalRegular season

Cleveland Cavaliers

112AT

Charlotte Hornets

124
Hornets vs Cavaliers: every meeting
STORY

Final

From the verified box score; records count this game

The BreakdownGrind

Hornets win on the offensive glass and the 3-point line

Charlotte grabbed 17 offensive rebounds to Cleveland's 4 and made 23 threes, building a 33-point lead before the Cavs cut into it late.

NightlyHoops desk · The BreakdownWritten by AI (Claude Opus 5.5) from the box score and play-by-play. Every number and name was checked against them.

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-112 on Monday, and the game was settled before halftime. Naz Reid's step-back three with 0:58.1 left in the 1st quarter put Charlotte ahead for good at 29-26. Midway through the 2nd quarter, an 8-0 run, six of its points from Tidjane Salaün, turned a 42-39 lead into 50-39. Its first basket made it 44-39, and the Cavs were never closer than 8 after that. Grayson Allen led everyone with 27 points. Meleek Thomas led Cleveland with 18, 12 of them in the 4th quarter.

Side by side
CLEStatCHA
51.2FG%47.3
40.03PT%50.0
32Rebounds49
4Off. rebounds17
82FG attempts93
13Turnovers14
From the box score. A dot marks a row where the teams are far apart.

Charlotte owned the offensive glass

The Hornets grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. The Cavaliers grabbed 4. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte's center, had 10 of his 15 rebounds on the offensive end; no Cleveland player had more than one. On all rebounds, it was Hornets 49, Cavaliers 32. Charlotte took 93 shots from the floor, Cleveland 82.

Charlotte made more threes on more tries

The Hornets went 23 of 46 from three, 50.0 percent. The Cavaliers went 14 of 35, 40.0 percent. Grayson Allen made 6 of his 12 attempts. Salaün made three of four and scored all 14 of his points in the 2nd quarter. In the 3rd quarter, a 16-0 run with three-pointers from Christian Anderson and Sion James took Charlotte from 84-67 to 100-67, its largest lead.

Cleveland shot better inside the arc

Inside the arc the comparison turns over: Cleveland made 28 of 47, 59.6 percent, and Charlotte 21 of 47, 44.7 percent. Jarrett Allen made all 5 of his shots. Overall, the Cavs shot 51.2 percent and the Hornets 47.3 percent.

The 4th quarter belonged to Cleveland on the scoreboard. Thomas and Thomas Bryant opened it with an 8-0 run that cut the deficit to 107-88, and Bryant scored all 11 of his points in the period. Craig Porter Jr. later scored seven straight Cleveland points, a driving floater and a driving finger roll among them. Thomas's running three made it 118-110 with 3:47 left. Royce O'Neale's three pushed it back to 123-110, and Reid's free throw with 1:29 left was the last point of the game.

Who led, and by how much Hover or tap for the score at any moment

CLE ahead above the line · CHA ahead below

201010203040Q1Q2Q3Q4CLE by 9CHA by 33
The margin through the game, from the play-by-play. Above the line CLE leads; below it, CHA.
Sources: the fact sheet this story was written from
  • GAME: Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE) at Charlotte Hornets (CHA), Monday, November 9, 2026, in Charlotte. NBA regular season.
  • TEAM CITIES: Cavaliers, Cleveland; Hornets, Charlotte.
  • SHORT NAMES (a story may call the team by them): Cavaliers: Cavs.
  • FINAL: Hornets 124, Cavaliers 112. (CLE 112, CHA 124.) Final margin: 12.
  • THE GAME IN BRIEF (every story tells each line; scores CLE-CHA):
  • - Result: Hornets 124, Cavaliers 112.
  • - How it was decided: the Cavaliers were last within 5 at 39-44, with 8:08 left in the 2nd quarter, and never closer than 8 after it. From there to the end of the 2nd quarter: Hornets 25, Cavaliers 14 (39-44 to 53-69). The Hornets' lead went past 5 for good during a CHA 8-0 run from 8:08 to 7:21 left in the 2nd quarter, 39-42 to 39-50.
  • - Top scorers: Cavaliers, Meleek Thomas 18; Hornets, Grayson Allen 27.
  • MARKED MOMENTS (scores CLE-CHA; every story tells each Required one, in one sentence that names its player, or its team where the line names no player, and states the score after it; a Marked one is material to choose from, never a checklist: tell it only where it shows how the game turned or ended):
  • - Marked: 0:58.1 left in the 1st quarter, CHA Naz Reid made (25' 3PT step back) -> 26-29. The Hornets went ahead for good.
  • POINTS BY QUARTER: CLE 28 25 27 32; CHA 29 40 38 17.
  • SCORE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD (CLE-CHA): Q1 28-29, Q2 53-69, Q3 80-107, Q4 112-124.
  • HALVES: first half, Cavaliers 53, Hornets 69; second half, Cavaliers 59, Hornets 55.
  • LARGEST LEADS: CLE 9 (14-5, 8:03 left in the 1st quarter); CHA 33 (67-100, 3:50 left in the 3rd quarter). Scores are CLE-CHA.
  • LEAD CHANGES: 3. TIES: 2.
  • LEAD CHANGES AND TIES BY PERIOD: Q1 3 lead changes and 2 ties; Q2 0 lead changes and 0 ties; Q3 0 lead changes and 0 ties; Q4 0 lead changes and 0 ties.
  • RUNS (8 or more unanswered points within one period; each scorer's points in the run):
  • - CHA 8-0 from 8:08 to 7:21 left in the 2nd quarter, 39-42 to 39-50 (Grayson Allen 2, Tidjane Salaün 6)
  • - CHA 16-0 from 6:44 to 3:50 left in the 3rd quarter, 67-84 to 67-100 (Ryan Kalkbrenner 4, Christian Anderson 6, Sion James 6)
  • - CLE 8-0 from 11:36 to 10:53 left in the 4th quarter, 80-107 to 88-107 (Meleek Thomas 5, Thomas Bryant 3)
  • STRAIGHT TEAM POINTS BY ONE PLAYER (within one period; the other team may score in between):
  • - Peyton Watson scored 6 straight Cavaliers points, from 5:47 to 2:51 left in the 2nd quarter (44-55, 45-59, 48-64).
  • - Craig Porter Jr. scored 7 straight Cavaliers points, from 7:42 to 4:47 left in the 4th quarter (99-113, 101-115, 103-115, 104-115).
  • - Grayson Allen scored 6 straight Hornets points, from 3:26 to 2:41 left in the 1st quarter (20-21, 22-23, 22-26).
  • - Grayson Allen scored 6 straight Hornets points, from 10:57 to 10:37 left in the 2nd quarter (29-34, 32-37).
  • - Tidjane Salaün scored 9 straight Hornets points, from 7:41 to 6:47 left in the 2nd quarter (39-47, 39-49, 39-50, 42-53); 6 of these points were in the CHA 8-0 run (39-42 to 39-50).
  • TIMELINE (the facts above in game order, each at the moment it began; a later line began later; scores CLE-CHA):
  • - 11:44 left in the 1st quarter to 10:19 left in the 3rd quarter: Jarrett Allen makes 5 field goals in a row.
  • - 8:03 left in the 1st quarter: CLE leads by 9, its largest lead (14-5).
  • - 3:26 to 2:41 left in the 1st quarter: Grayson Allen scores 6 straight Hornets points (20-21 after the first, 22-26 after the last).
  • - 0:58.1 left in the 1st quarter: Hornets go ahead for good, 26-29.
  • - End of the 1st quarter: 28-29.
  • - 10:57 to 10:37 left in the 2nd quarter: Grayson Allen scores 6 straight Hornets points (29-34 after the first, 32-37 after the last).
  • - 8:08 to 7:21 left in the 2nd quarter: CHA 8-0 run, 39-42 to 39-50.
  • - 7:41 to 6:47 left in the 2nd quarter: Tidjane Salaün scores 9 straight Hornets points (39-47 after the first, 42-53 after the last); 6 of these points were in the CHA 8-0 run (39-42 to 39-50).
  • - 5:47 to 2:51 left in the 2nd quarter: Peyton Watson scores 6 straight Cavaliers points (44-55 after the first, 48-64 after the last).
  • - End of the 2nd quarter: 53-69.
  • - 6:44 to 3:50 left in the 3rd quarter: CHA 16-0 run, 67-84 to 67-100.
  • - 3:50 left in the 3rd quarter: CHA leads by 33, its largest lead (67-100).
  • - End of the 3rd quarter: 80-107.
  • - 11:36 to 10:53 left in the 4th quarter: CLE 8-0 run, 80-107 to 88-107.
  • - 7:42 to 4:47 left in the 4th quarter: Craig Porter Jr. scores 7 straight Cavaliers points (99-113 after the first, 104-115 after the last).
  • - End of the 4th quarter: 112-124.
  • THE 4TH QUARTER (scores CLE-CHA):
  • - It began at 80-107, Hornets by 27, and ended at 112-124, Hornets by 12.
  • - Points in it: CLE 32, CHA 17.
  • - Lead changes in it: 0. Ties in it: 0.
  • - Within 5 in its last 5:00: no.
  • - Its leading scorers: CLE Meleek Thomas 12, Thomas Bryant 11; CHA Coby White 5, Christian Anderson 3, Liam McNeeley 3, Royce O'Neale 3.
  • In the 4th quarter, each run of 8 or more unanswered points:
  • - CLE 8-0 from 11:36 to 10:53 left, 80-107 to 88-107 (Meleek Thomas 5, Thomas Bryant 3)
  • In the 4th quarter, each scoring play of its last 6:00 (score after each):
  • - 5:20 CLE +2 Craig Porter Jr. (10' driving floating Jump Shot) -> 101-115
  • - 4:47 CLE +2 Craig Porter Jr. (driving finger roll Layup) -> 103-115
  • - 4:47 CLE +1 Craig Porter Jr. (Free Throw 1 of 1) -> 104-115
  • - 4:33 CHA +3 Christian Anderson (26' 3PT) -> 104-118
  • - 4:17 CLE +3 Thomas Bryant (25' 3PT) -> 107-118
  • - 3:47 CLE +3 Meleek Thomas (24' 3PT running) -> 110-118
  • - 3:22 CHA +2 Ryan Kalkbrenner (tip Layup) -> 110-120
  • - 2:44 CHA +3 Royce O'Neale (25' 3PT) -> 110-123
  • - 2:21 CLE +2 Meleek Thomas (9' driving floating Jump Shot) -> 112-123
  • - 1:29 CHA +1 Naz Reid (Free Throw 2 of 2) -> 112-124
  • TEAM TOTALS:
  • - CLE: FG 42-82 (51.2%), 3PT 14-35 (40.0%), FT 14-18, 32 rebounds (4 offensive), 26 assists, 13 turnovers, 9 steals, 6 blocks, 56 bench points
  • - CHA: FG 44-93 (47.3%), 3PT 23-46 (50.0%), FT 13-16, 49 rebounds (17 offensive), 29 assists, 14 turnovers, 9 steals, 3 blocks, 43 bench points
  • TWO-POINT SHOOTING (inside the arc: FG less 3PT):
  • - CLE: 2PT 28-47 (59.6%)
  • - CHA: 2PT 21-47 (44.7%)
  • PLAYERS, Cleveland Cavaliers:
  • - Meleek Thomas (bench, 27 min): 18 pts, 3 reb (0 off), 3 ast, FG 7-12, 3PT 4-6, FT 0-0, 2 stl, 2 blk, 0 tov, 1 foul, +/- -1 | points by period 0-3-3-12
  • - Peyton Watson (starter, 21 min): 13 pts, 2 reb (0 off), 1 ast, FG 5-9, 3PT 2-4, FT 1-2, 0 stl, 0 blk, 2 tov, 3 fouls, +/- -10 | points by period 4-6-3-0
  • - Jarrett Allen (starter, 19 min): 12 pts, 7 reb (0 off), 1 ast, FG 5-5, 3PT 1-1, FT 1-2, 0 stl, 1 blk, 1 tov, 0 fouls, +/- -9 | points by period 9-0-3-0
  • - Donovan Mitchell (starter, 23 min): 11 pts, 2 reb (0 off), 4 ast, FG 4-11, 3PT 1-3, FT 2-2, 1 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 1 foul, +/- -3 | points by period 3-2-6-0
  • - James Harden (starter, 25 min): 11 pts, 3 reb (0 off), 5 ast, FG 3-9, 3PT 2-7, FT 3-3, 1 stl, 0 blk, 4 tov, 2 fouls, +/- -22 | points by period 2-3-6-0
  • - Thomas Bryant (bench, 15 min): 11 pts, 2 reb (1 off), 0 ast, FG 3-5, 3PT 2-3, FT 3-3, 1 stl, 1 blk, 0 tov, 1 foul, +/- +18 | points by period 0-0-0-11
  • - Mario Hezonja (bench, 17 min): 10 pts, 3 reb (1 off), 0 ast, FG 5-11, 3PT 0-3, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 1 blk, 0 tov, 1 foul, +/- -16 | points by period 4-2-4-0
  • - Craig Porter Jr. (bench, 17 min): 9 pts, 2 reb (1 off), 4 ast, FG 4-6, 3PT 0-1, FT 1-1, 1 stl, 0 blk, 1 tov, 1 foul, +/- +7 | points by period 0-0-0-9
  • - Evan Mobley (starter, 24 min): 9 pts, 2 reb (0 off), 3 ast, FG 3-5, 3PT 2-2, FT 1-2, 2 stl, 1 blk, 4 tov, 0 fouls, +/- -24 | points by period 2-7-0-0
  • - Tyrese Proctor (bench, 23 min): 6 pts, 1 reb (0 off), 4 ast, FG 2-4, 3PT 0-1, FT 2-3, 1 stl, 0 blk, 1 tov, 3 fouls, +/- -20 | points by period 4-0-2-0
  • - Riley Minix (bench, 17 min): 2 pts, 2 reb (0 off), 0 ast, FG 1-4, 3PT 0-3, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 1 foul, +/- +5 | points by period 0-2-0-0
  • - Norchad Omier (bench, 12 min): 0 pts, 3 reb (1 off), 1 ast, FG 0-1, 3PT 0-1, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 2 fouls, +/- +15
  • PLAYERS, Charlotte Hornets:
  • - Grayson Allen (starter, 34 min): 27 pts, 4 reb (1 off), 6 ast, FG 8-14, 3PT 6-12, FT 5-6, 2 stl, 0 blk, 3 tov, 2 fouls, +/- -1 | points by period 9-11-7-0
  • - Naz Reid (starter, 32 min): 25 pts, 13 reb (1 off), 4 ast, FG 10-26, 3PT 4-9, FT 1-2, 1 stl, 0 blk, 3 tov, 3 fouls, +/- +16 | points by period 15-4-5-1
  • - Tidjane Salaün (bench, 18 min): 14 pts, 3 reb (0 off), 0 ast, FG 4-6, 3PT 3-4, FT 3-3, 1 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 2 fouls, +/- -3 | points by period 0-14-0-0
  • - Sion James (starter, 33 min): 11 pts, 4 reb (0 off), 4 ast, FG 4-9, 3PT 3-6, FT 0-0, 2 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 0 fouls, +/- +18 | points by period 0-0-11-0
  • - Coby White (starter, 20 min): 10 pts, 3 reb (1 off), 8 ast, FG 3-12, 3PT 0-4, FT 4-5, 0 stl, 0 blk, 3 tov, 2 fouls, +/- -6 | points by period 1-4-0-5
  • - Royce O'Neale (bench, 23 min): 10 pts, 3 reb (0 off), 1 ast, FG 4-8, 3PT 2-5, FT 0-0, 1 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 2 fouls, +/- +12 | points by period 4-0-3-3
  • - Christian Anderson (bench, 16 min): 9 pts, 1 reb (1 off), 1 ast, FG 3-5, 3PT 3-4, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 0 blk, 2 tov, 1 foul, +/- +6 | points by period 0-0-6-3
  • - Liam McNeeley (bench, 16 min): 8 pts, 1 reb (1 off), 1 ast, FG 3-3, 3PT 2-2, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 0 blk, 0 tov, 0 fouls, +/- +4 | points by period 0-5-0-3
  • - Ryan Kalkbrenner (starter, 35 min): 8 pts, 15 reb (10 off), 3 ast, FG 4-7, 3PT 0-0, FT 0-0, 2 stl, 3 blk, 2 tov, 3 fouls, +/- +20 | points by period 0-2-4-2
  • - Hannes Steinbach (bench, 13 min): 2 pts, 2 reb (2 off), 1 ast, FG 1-3, 3PT 0-0, FT 0-0, 0 stl, 0 blk, 1 tov, 1 foul, +/- -6 | points by period 0-0-2-0
  • LISTED POSITIONS (each starting five's, as the box score lists them: PG, SG or G a guard, SF, PF or F a forward, C a center; none for the bench): Cavaliers: James Harden PG, Donovan Mitchell SG, Peyton Watson SF, Evan Mobley PF, Jarrett Allen C; Hornets: Coby White PG, Grayson Allen SG, Sion James SF, Naz Reid PF, Ryan Kalkbrenner C.
  • PLAYER FACTS:
  • - Naz Reid scored 15 in the 1st quarter.
  • - Tidjane Salaün scored 14 in the 2nd quarter.
  • - Jarrett Allen made 5 field goals in a row.
  • - Meleek Thomas scored 12 in the 4th quarter.
  • - Coby White was called for 1 flagrant.
  • SEASON LINES THE GAME'S PREVIEW STATED (before this game):
  • - Donovan Mitchell averaged 24.0 points in 10 games this season.
  • - Evan Mobley averaged 18.4 points in 10 games this season.
  • - Naz Reid averaged 16.6 points in 10 games this season.
  • ANGLE: Grind. VOICE: The Breakdown.
PREVIEW

Before tip

As it stood at tip · open to read

Hornets bring 6 straight losses into a meeting with Cleveland

Cleveland won 118-113 at Charlotte on Feb 20 and 94-87 there on Jan 21.

NightlyHoops desk · Facts as of 10:02 AM EST · scouting reports built 5:46 AM EST (Cavaliers) and 5:47 AM EST (Hornets)Written by AI (Claude Opus 5.5) from the facts below. Every number and name was checked against them.

CHARLOTTE — Donovan Mitchell scored 21 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday, and the Cavaliers still lost to the Knicks 109-97 at home. He finished with 37 points, making 5 of 13 threes. The Cavaliers led by as many as 6 points, the Knicks by as many as 19, and Cleveland is 5-5 this season.

The Hornets arrive at Monday's game on a different kind of run. They have lost 6 straight games, the latest a 119-80 home loss to the Celtics on Friday in which they never led. Charlotte is 3-7 this season and 2-4 at home.

This matchup has gone Cleveland's way for years. Since 2019-20, the Hornets are 8-16 against the Cavaliers in the regular season. The Cavaliers won the last meeting 118-113 on Feb 20, away from home, and also won 94-87 on Jan 21 in Charlotte. Mitchell scored 32 in that Feb 20 game, and he has averaged 23.0 points against the Hornets in regular-season games since 2019-20.

The shooting profiles frame the meeting. Last season the Hornets took 48.7% of their shots from three, the 2nd-highest of 30 teams. Opponents made 37.2% of their three-point attempts against the Cavaliers last season, the 4th-highest of 30 teams. Charlotte has also changed its mix this season: Tidjane Salaün has taken 70% of his shots from three, after 52% last season.

What to watch

  • Donovan Mitchell's Game Score has come in above the usual line in each of his last 3 games played.
  • Sion James has taken 37% of his shots as corner threes this season, after 24% last season, and he made 3 of 5 threes against the Celtics on Friday.
  • Naz Reid has averaged 14.8 points in regular-season games against the Cavaliers since 2019-20.
Sources: the 72 facts this preview was written from
  • The Cavaliers play at the Hornets on Monday, Nov 9, at 7:00 PM EST.
  • The Cavaliers are 5-5 this season.
  • The Cavaliers are 1-3 on the road this season.
  • The Cavaliers have won 5 of their last 10 games.
  • The Hornets are 3-7 this season.
  • The Hornets are 2-4 at home this season.
  • The Hornets have won 3 of their last 10 games.
  • The Hornets have lost 6 straight games.
  • The Cavaliers last played 2 days ago, on Saturday, Nov 7.
  • The Hornets last played 3 days ago, on Friday, Nov 6.
  • The Cavaliers lost to the Knicks 109-97 at home on Saturday, Nov 7, by 12 points.
  • On Nov 7, the Cavaliers led the Knicks by as many as 6 points, and the Knicks led by as many as 19.
  • On Nov 7, Donovan Mitchell had 37 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists against the Knicks, making 5 of 13 threes in 37 minutes.
  • On Nov 7, Evan Mobley had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists against the Knicks, making 1 of 5 threes in 33 minutes.
  • On Nov 7, Peyton Watson had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists against the Knicks, making 1 of 5 threes in 29 minutes.
  • On Nov 7, Donovan Mitchell scored 21 points in the fourth quarter.
  • The Hornets lost to the Celtics 119-80 at home on Friday, Nov 6, by 39 points.
  • On Nov 6, the Celtics led the Hornets by as many as 46 points, and the Hornets never led.
  • On Nov 6, Naz Reid had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists against the Celtics, making 2 of 5 threes in 26 minutes.
  • On Nov 6, Tidjane Salaün had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 0 assists against the Celtics, making 2 of 8 threes in 23 minutes.
  • On Nov 6, Sion James had 11 points, 3 rebounds and 0 assists against the Celtics, making 3 of 5 threes in 21 minutes.
  • On Nov 6, Brandon Miller had 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist against the Celtics, making 0 of 3 threes in 14 minutes.
  • Donovan Mitchell is averaging 24.0 points in 10 games this season and 23.8 over the last 5.
  • Evan Mobley is averaging 18.4 points in 10 games this season and 18.6 over the last 5.
  • Brandon Miller is averaging 20.6 points in 10 games this season and 15.6 over the last 5.
  • Naz Reid is averaging 16.6 points in 10 games this season and 16.2 over the last 5.
  • Donovan Mitchell has averaged 23.0 points in 15 regular-season games against the Hornets since 2019-20, scoring 32, 24, 30 and 17 in his last 4 games against the Hornets, most recent first, from Feb 20 back to Dec 14, 2025.
  • Evan Mobley has averaged 16.9 points in 16 regular-season games against the Hornets since 2019-20, scoring 14, 19, 17 and 41 in his last 4 games against the Hornets, most recent first, from Jan 21 back to Dec 7, 2024.
  • Naz Reid has averaged 14.8 points in 11 regular-season games against the Cavaliers since 2019-20, scoring 25, 9, 10 and 16 in his last 4 games against the Cavaliers, most recent first, from Jan 10 back to Jan 18, 2025.
  • Donovan Mitchell's Game Score came in above the usual line in each of the last 3 games played, most recently 24.9 against a usual 18.5, from this season's 9 games plus last season's average, counted as 5.5 games.
  • Last season the Hornets averaged 95.9 possessions per game, the 3rd-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Cavaliers scored 120.1 points per 100 possessions, the 6th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets scored 121.0 points per 100 possessions, the 4th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Cavaliers had an effective field-goal rate of 56.1%, the 4th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Cavaliers took 44.2% of their shots from three, the 9th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets took 48.7% of their shots from three, the 2nd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets made 37.8% of their three-point attempts, the 3rd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets took 45.3% of their shots in the paint, the 5th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets took 27.5% of their shots at the rim, the 7th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Cavaliers made 67.4% of their shots at the rim, the 8th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets made 64.4% of their shots at the rim, the 7th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets took 10.1% of their shots on the fast break, the 5th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets took 15.0% of their shots after an offensive rebound, the 3rd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets attempted 0.244 free throws per field-goal attempt, the 8th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Cavaliers committed 14.2 turnovers per 100 possessions, the 9th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets committed 16.1 turnovers per 100 possessions, the 3rd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets rebounded 35.8% of their own missed shots, the 2nd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets rebounded 72.2% of their opponents' missed shots, the 2nd-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season the Hornets committed 19.1 fouls per game, the 10th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season 49.9% of the fouls the Cavaliers committed were shooting fouls, the 6th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season 46.9% of the fouls the Hornets committed were shooting fouls, the lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season opponents shot 62.7% at the rim against the Cavaliers, the 5th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Last season opponents took 42.8% of their shots from three against the Cavaliers, the 9th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season opponents made 37.2% of their three-point attempts against the Cavaliers, the 4th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season opponents committed 15.2 turnovers per 100 possessions against the Cavaliers, the 10th-highest of 30 teams.
  • Last season opponents committed 13.2 turnovers per 100 possessions against the Hornets, the 5th-lowest of 30 teams.
  • Naz Reid has taken 8% of his shots as corner threes this season (154 shots), after 17% last season.
  • Tidjane Salaün has taken 70% of his shots from three this season (44 shots), after 52% last season.
  • Sion James has taken 37% of his shots as corner threes this season (62 shots), after 24% last season.
  • Evan Mobley made 176 of his 290 free throws last season (61%).
  • Peyton Watson made 138 of his 189 free throws last season (73%).
  • James Harden made 463 of his 524 free throws last season (88%).
  • Donovan Mitchell made 368 of his 426 free throws last season (86%).
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner made 83 of his 116 free throws last season (72%).
  • Naz Reid made 90 of his 123 free throws last season (73%).
  • Grayson Allen made 144 of his 168 free throws last season (86%).
  • Sion James made 82 of his 98 free throws last season (84%).
  • Coby White made 197 of his 241 free throws last season (82%).
  • The Cavaliers won the last meeting with the Hornets 118-113 on Feb 20, away from home.
  • The Cavaliers won 94-87 on Jan 21, away from home.
  • The Cavaliers won 139-132 on Dec 22, 2025, at home.
  • Since 2019-20, the Hornets are 8-16 against the Cavaliers in the regular season.

Starting fives

Confirmed by the league’s official lineups. Until then: in the NBA, the five those lineups list as expected; otherwise, the five each team started in its last game.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Confirmed · 1:22 PM EST

NBA Official Lineups API

  1. JH
    James HardenPG · 15.7 PTS · 4.9 REB · 5.8 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  2. DM
    Donovan MitchellSG · 24.0 PTS · 5.1 REB · 5.6 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  3. PW
    Peyton WatsonSF · 11.3 PTS · 4.9 REB · 2.9 AST · 8 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  4. EM
    Evan MobleyPF · 18.4 PTS · 8.0 REB · 3.7 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  5. JA
    Jarrett AllenC · 13.3 PTS · 7.8 REB · 1.3 AST · 8 GP · 2026-27 regular seasonQuestionable · report of 6:15 PM EST

Charlotte Hornets

Confirmed · 1:39 PM EST

NBA Official Lineups API

  1. CW
    Coby WhitePG · 6.0 PTS · 2.0 REB · 2.0 AST · 3 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  2. GA
    Grayson AllenSG · 14.1 PTS · 2.7 REB · 2.7 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  3. SJ
    Sion JamesSF · 5.8 PTS · 3.0 REB · 2.5 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  4. NR
    Naz ReidPF · 16.6 PTS · 8.1 REB · 1.9 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season
  5. RK
    Ryan KalkbrennerC · 4.5 PTS · 4.4 REB · 1.4 AST · 10 GP · 2026-27 regular season

Injury report

The league’s official report: each listed player’s status and reason as reported, in report order.

Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA Official Injury Report · 6:15 PM EST

  1. Jarrett AllenQuestionableInjury/Illness - Right Knee Contusion (Knee)
  2. Khalifa DiopOutG League - On Assignment
  3. Sam MerrillOutInjury/Illness - Right Elbow Injury Management (Elbow)
  4. Nae'Qwan TomlinOutInjury/Illness - Low Back Stress Reaction (Back)
  5. Jaylon TysonOutInjury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (Ankle)
  6. Ernest UdehJr.OutG League - Two-Way

Charlotte Hornets

NBA Official Injury Report · 6:15 PM EST

  1. Michael AjayiAvailableG League - Two-Way
  2. Kylan BoswellOutG League - Two-Way
  3. Moussa DiabateOutInjury/Illness - Right Quadriceps Tendinopathy (Quad)
  4. PJ HallAvailableG League - Two-Way
  5. Kon KnueppelOutInjury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (Hamstring)
  6. Brandon MillerOutInjury/Illness - Right Hip Strain (Hip)
  7. Dennis SchroderOutInjury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (Hamstring)
  8. Grant WilliamsOutInjury/Illness - Right Hamstring Strain (Hamstring)
SCOUTING

Scouting report

Built 5:48 PM EST · frozen at tip

Gameplay analysis computed by NightlyHoops from play-by-play and box scores. Each team's report is written for the other side.

SELECTED PLAYER
GA

Grayson Allen

CHA · Starter · 33:32 MIN

BOX SCORE

Player contributions

Choose any row to inspect

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets: one row per player, by points, highest first. Team totals add up the player rows.
PLAYERMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKTOVPFFG3PTFT+/-
33:32274620328–146–125–6-1
32:2925134103310–264–91–2+16
26:40183322017–124–60–0-1
17:40143010024–63–43–3-3
20:33132100235–92–41–2-10
19:29127101105–51–11–2-9
22:52112410014–111–32–2-3
24:49113510423–92–73–3-22
32:47114420004–93–60–0+18
15:14112011013–52–33–3+18
20:21103800323–120–44–5-6
17:25103001015–110–30–0-16
23:08103110024–82–50–0+12
16:1291100213–53–40–0+6
17:1692410114–60–11–1+7
24:1292321403–52–21–2-24
15:5681100003–32–20–0+4
34:31815323234–70–00–0+20
22:5161410132–40–12–3-20
13:2522100111–30–00–0-6
16:3922000011–40–30–0+5
12:0003100020–10–10–0+15
DNP———————————
DNP———————————
CLE totalsSum of 12 player lines112322696131642–8214–3514–18
CHA totalsSum of 10 player lines124492993141644–9323–4613–16

Team totals add up the player rows above. DNP: did not play. —: not recorded. Quarter scores are not shown.

SCOUTING

Coming in · tonight

The report's numbers beside tonight's

Scouting CLE · from Charlotte's side

From the reportComing inLeagueTonight
3PA share of FGA44.2%41.5%42.7%
opponent FG% allowed at the rim62.7%65.9%57.1%
eFG%56.1%54.6%59.8%
restricted-area FG%67.4%66.1%62.5%
turnovers per 100 possessions14.214.714.2
opponent 3PA share allowed42.8%41.5%49.5%
Donovan MitchellShooter: threes taken8.83
Donovan MitchellDon't foul him: free throws86.4%100.0%
James HardenShooter: threes taken8.27
James HardenDon't foul him: free throws88.4%100.0%
James HardenTurnovers per usage event15.3%27.9%
James HardenFree throws per shot0.470.33
Evan MobleyFoul him late: free throws60.7%50.0%
Evan MobleyAt the rim73.5%Too few to count
Evan MobleyFree throws per shot0.34Too few to count
Peyton WatsonShooter: threes taken3.64
Peyton WatsonFoul him late: free throws73.0%50.0%
Jarrett AllenNon-shooter: threes taken0.21
Jarrett AllenFoul him late: free throws71.2%50.0%
Jarrett AllenAt the rim76.7%100.0%
Jarrett AllenFree throws per shot0.50Too few to count
Tyrese ProctorNon-shooter: threes taken2.51
Craig Porter Jr.Non-shooter: threes taken1.51
Craig Porter Jr.Turnovers per usage event17.6%Too few to count
Thomas BryantShooter: threes taken2.23

Scouting CHA · from Cleveland's side

From the reportComing inLeagueTonight
paint-attempt share of FGA45.3%48.4%38.7%
restricted-area share of FGA27.5%30.0%22.6%
3PA share of FGA48.7%41.5%49.5%
offensive rebound %35.8%30.5%38.0%
defensive rebound %72.2%69.5%87.8%
possessions per game (pace proxy)95.998.698.0
second-chance share of FGA15.0%12.8%16.1%
turnovers per 100 possessions16.114.717.3
Naz ReidShooter: threes taken5.89
Naz ReidFoul him late: free throws73.2%50.0%
Grayson AllenShooter: threes taken8.912
Grayson AllenDon't foul him: free throws85.7%83.3%
Sion JamesDon't foul him: free throws83.7%Too few to count
Sion JamesAt the rim48.0%Too few to count
Royce O'NealeShooter: threes taken6.75
Ryan KalkbrennerNon-shooter: threes taken0.10
Ryan KalkbrennerFoul him late: free throws71.6%Too few to count
Ryan KalkbrennerAt the rim79.0%66.7%
Ryan KalkbrennerTurnovers per usage event15.3%22.2%
Tidjane SalaünShooter: threes taken2.24
Coby WhiteShooter: threes taken6.44
Coby WhiteDon't foul him: free throws81.7%80.0%
Coby WhiteAt the rim61.7%33.3%
Coby WhiteTurnovers per usage event14.9%17.4%
Coby WhiteFree throws per shot0.390.42
Liam McNeeleyShooter: threes taken1.92
PJ HallNon-shooter: threes taken0.3Did not play

On the report's cards, did not play: PJ Hall

SURPRISES

Against their usual

Regular season · Game Score against each player's usual line

CLECleveland Cavaliers

Every scored player stayed within the usual range.

CHACharlotte Hornets

6 of 8 scored players stayed within the usual range.