Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 7, 2024 

The red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Cleveland, which won 128-114 in the first meeting, will look to go 2-0 in the season series against its opponent. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers will improve their NBA-best 20-3 record with a win in the rematch.

Meanwhile, the reeling Hornets, losers in their last seven games, hope to put up a competitive fight against their visitors. Charlotte, which is decimated by injuries to key players, will be hard-pressed to pull off an upset against the rampaging Cavs.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets: Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds and Betting Tips

The Spectrum Center in Charlotte will host the Cavaliers-Hornets showdown. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Cavaliers (-600) vs. Hornets (+450)

Odds: Cavaliers (-12.0) vs. Hornets (+12.0)

Total (O/U): Cavaliers o219.0 -110) vs. Hornets (u219.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA because they play well on both sides of the ball. They are third in offensive rating and ninth in defensive rating. If they don’t get complacent against their injury-hampered opponents, an upset is near impossible.

LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Tre Mann and Grant Williams are out for the Charlotte Hornets. Nick Richards is questionable. Charlotte has had trouble finding rhythm on offense due to Ball’s absence. Vasilije Micic can’t orchestrate the plays and score like the former Rookie of the Year winner.

Brandon Miller must step up to give the Hornets a chance to pull the rug from under the heavy favorites.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets predicted starting lineups

Cavaliers

PG: Darius Garland | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SF: Isaac Okoro | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen

Hornets

PG: Vasilije Micic | SG: Josh Green | SF: Cody Martin | PF: Brandon Miller | C: Mark Williams

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips

Evan Mobley has been on a roll, averaging 19.5 points in his last three games. Against the Hornets’ thin frontcourt, he could top his 16.5 (O/U) points prop on Saturday.

Darius Garland is averaging 20.5 ppg this season. He dropped 24 points on the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The speedy guard could have another big scoring night against Charlotte’s undermanned roster. Garland likely hits the over in his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

Betting against the Cavaliers, despite the -12.0 spread is tough. Cleveland’s best players are healthy and they have been rolling since the season started. Donovan Mitchell and Co. likely get another win and beat the spread along the way.