Cleveland has lost two games in a row after reeling off an eight-game winning streak, the latest coming in a 119-114 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Charlotte has been one of the league's biggest disappointments this year as they've lost 12 of their last 14 games, including a 114-87 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (13-9)
G Kyrie Irving – 20.6 ppg, 5.2 apg
G Shawn Marion – 5.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 7.6 apg
F Kevin Love – 17.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg
C Anderson Varejao – 10.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Charlotte Hornets (6-17)
G Kemba Walker – 14.9 ppg, 5.6 apg
G Lance Stephenson – 10.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 5.0 apg
F Gerald Henderson – 7.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg
F Cody Zeller - 8.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg
C Al Jefferson - 19.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg
What to watch for:
LeBron James vs. Lance Stephenson
Last time we saw these two players going up against each other, Stephenson was blowing in LeBron's ear as a member of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Stephenson has been James' pest throughout the past few seasons, but with rumors already swirling about the Hornets trying to get rid of him, it'll be interesting to see how motivated he'll play. This is the type of matchup that could jumpstart his season, or could seal his fate.
Who steps up for Charlotte?
We know what Cleveland is going to get from James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, but the Hornets rarely know what they're going to get their roster. Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker are good players, but they can't carry a team. Someone else is going to have to have a big game for Charlotte to have a chance to win, or they'll risk getting blown out.
Prediction: Cavs win 108-90
Cleveland is looking to get back to their winning ways, and Charlotte is just the team to face to make that happen. The Hornets have major problems scoring the ball, and I think the Cavs will simply be able to outscore Charlotte.
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