Cleveland will play the first of two games at Charlotte when the teams meet on Sunday night. The Cavaliers won three straight games before losing at Miami on Friday, while the Hornets opened its five-game homestand against Utah on Saturday night.
Update Injury for Cleveland Cavaliers – Charlotte Hornets
In early February, Cleveland was red hot, winning seven straight games and improving to 38-22 on the season. However, they went on to lose four of their next five games, with their lone victory coming on the final day of the month against Toronto.
They overcame their slump by winning three straight games against Detroit, Boston, and Miami. On Friday, they lost to the Heat by four points, bringing an end to their winning streak.
- Donovan Mitchell – Ready
In 43 minutes of Friday’s 119-115 loss to the Heat, Donovan Mitchell scored 42 points (15-30 FG, 8-15 3Pt, 4-6 FT), grabbed 3 boards, dished out 4 assists, and swiped 1 defensive board.
Mitchell performed superbly in Friday’s loss; the star guard scored 40 points for the third time in his last five games.
He’s averaging a robust 32.8 points per game in five March appearances, and that’s even more notable if we consider he only scored 18 points against the Heat on March 8.
- Darius Garland – Doubt vs. Hornets
Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer notes that Darius Garland’s status for Sunday’s game against the Hornets is in doubt due to a quadriceps injury.
Despite missing the loss to the Heat on Friday, Garland could return to action on Sunday.
If Garland is unable to play on Sunday, Caris LeVert could get another start. Since the All-Star break, Garland has started seven games and averaged 23.6 points and 7.6 assists per game.
Cavaliers injuries
- Darius Garland (Quadriceps) – Questionable
- Jarrett Allen (Eye) – Questionable
Concerns persist about Jarrett Allen’s availability for Sunday’s game against Charlotte due to a contusion around his right eye.
On Friday, Allen was hurt in the final minutes of a game against the Heat and did not return. Because of Allen’s absence, Evan Mobley may start at center, and Robin Lopez, a veteran of the team, may get some court time.
Hornets injuries
- Cody Martin (Knee) – Questionable
- James Bouknight (Ankle) – Questionable
- Mark Williams (Thumb) – Questionable
- LaMelo Ball (Ankle) – Out for the season
