Hornets gameday live: Eyeing Gordon Hayward’s return in a big game vs. Cleveland
With the caliber of opponents marching into the Spectrum Center over the next week, the Charlotte Hornets don’t have much time to correct what’s ailed them the past four games.
But they are going to have to figure it out quickly, beginning with their matchup against Cleveland on Friday night.
“Maintain consistency,” coach James Borrego said. “That’s the biggest thing right now. The habits, the standard of playing both sides of the ball. The effort is something that no matter who is playing we need. And the focus. That’s where are at right now.
“We had a chance to win a game on the road (Wednesday night). There’s things we could have done better in both the focus area and effort area. Those things have to continue to get better no matter who’s on the floor. When we are fully healthy I feel very confident in this group that we can beat anybody on any floor. So we’ll get there. We’ll get there. But until then there’s enough bodies here to get it done.”
LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges weren’t among the All-Star reserves announced Thursday night, and over the next four games they will have an up-close view of individuals who were. Miami’s Jimmy Butler, Toronto’s Fred VanVleet and Chicago’s Zach LaVine got tabbed as Eastern Conference reserves. Same goes for Cleveland’s Darius Garland, but he’s out Friday with a lower back injury.
Gordon Hayward set to play
After missing the last six games, including the past four due to the league’s health and safety protocols, Gordon Hayward is back in the Hornets’ lineup. It’s a welcomed sight for a team that counts on the veteran to be a calming presence.
They will work him in slowly since he hasn’t played in two weeks.
“Yes, good to go,” Borrego said before the game. “We’ll monitor the minutes here, especially early in the first half. Just see where he’s at. No more than a five-minute run early on just to see where he’s at. But it’s great to have him back.”
What time and channel is the Hornets vs. Cavs game?
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Spectrum Center
TV: Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: WFNZ 102.5 FM/610 AM
Odds: Hornets -2.5
Over/under: 218.5
Injury report
Hornets: QUESTIONABLE — Gordon Hayward (reconditioning); OUT — Jalen McDaniels (ankle); Kai Jones (G League assignment); Vernon Carey Jr. (G League assignment).
Cleveland: OUT — Darius Garland (back); Lauri Markkanen (ankle); Ricky Rubio (knee); Collin Sexton (knee).
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
