Charlotte Hornets

Fearless predictions: A big night for Dwight Howard

LeBron James (left) has an even bigger burden with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, with Kyrie Irving gone and Tristan Thompson and Isaiah Thomas injured.
LeBron James (left) has an even bigger burden with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, with Kyrie Irving gone and Tristan Thompson and Isaiah Thomas injured. AP

Five fearless predictions for Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets game against the Cleveland Cavaliers

1. Dwight Howard puts up big numbers

With Tristan Thompson hurt, the Cavs don’t have a logical big man to match up with a true center. Howard makes amends for a bad night in Boston.

2. If Nic Batum plays, it won’t be for very long

Batum hopes to make his return from a torn elbow ligament Wednesday. He’s worked hard at maintaining conditioning, but no way to duplicate game shape.

3. Best point guard on the floor is a forward

LeBron James always was the Cavs’ primary playmaker. His impact that way is all the more important with Isaiah Thomas out and Derrick Rose dealing with a sprained ankle.

4. Practice will make something closer to perfect

The Hornets were awful defensively for most of the four-game road trip. Three days of practice hopefully tightened that up.

5. Hornets 110, Cavs 105

Hornets finally look close to a complete roster in this one.

Cavs at Hornets

Where/when: Spectrum Center, 8 p.m.

TV/Radio: ESPN/WFNZ 610-AM

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Fearless predictions: A big night for Dwight Howard."

Sports Pass is your ticket to Charlotte sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Charlotte area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER