What To Expect In First Charlotte Hornets-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup

Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their third consecutive loss in a 121-84 defeat to the Miami Heat.

Tonight, the Wine and Gold will play the first of back-to-back games against the Charlotte Hornets.

Here are four things to expect in the first matchup between these two teams this season.

1. Cavaliers Limiting Charlotte’s Offense

After allowing their most points in a game since February 28 last night, the Cavaliers should have a better defensive showing against Charlotte.

The Hornets rank bottom-five in the NBA in points per game (106.4, 29th), field goal percentage (45.7%, 28th), assists per game (24.5, 28th), and three-point percentage (35.1%, 26th).

2. A Strong Allen Game

Cleveland center Jarrett Allen tallied nine points and four rebounds in the team’s loss to Miami last night, his fewest points in a game since March 1 and fewest rebounds in a game since February 28.

He averaged 12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per contest in two games against the Hornets last season.

3. Top Draft Pick Facing Cleveland for First Time

Tonight, Charlotte forward Brandon Miller will play against the Wine and Gold for the first time in his NBA career.

The second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is averaging 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season, while shooting 36.8% from three-point range.

4. Cleveland Playing with Motivation

A loss to the Hornets tonight would give the Cavaliers their longest losing streak of the season (four games).

Cleveland has also fallen in each of its last three home games, and is seeking its first victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since March 8.