Charlotte Hornets

Hornets Gameday: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams, top, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Los Angeles. The Hornets won 101-82. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams, top, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Los Angeles. The Hornets won 101-82. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) AP

7 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena

TV: Fox Sports Southeast Radio: WFNZ-AM 610.

Projected Starters

Hornets

Cavs

Pos, Player

PPG

RPG

Pos, Player

PPG

RPG

G K. Walker

20.2

4.3

G K. Irving

16.8

3.1

G Jeremy Lin

12.3

3.3

G. J. Smith

12.4

2.8

F M. Kidd-Gilchrist

16.0

9.5

F L. James

24.9

7.2

F M. Williams

10.1

6.8

F K. Love

16.1

10.6

C S. Hawes

6.0

4.3

C T. Thompson

8.0

9.4

Matchup to Watch

Lebron James vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Kidd-Gilchrist recently returned to the active roster more than two months ahead of the original projection for recovery from shoulder surgery.

Observations

▪  This is the first of four home games in a row, but three of the four opponents – the Cavs, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls – are among the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

▪  The Hornets have failed to top 90 points in any of their last four meetings with the Cavaliers.

Tap-ins

▪  Hornets shooting guard Nic Batum, who has struggled with a toe injury, is listed as doubtful for this game.

▪  Jeremy Lamb (toe), Cody Zeller (shoulder) and Kemba Walker (knee) are all questionable.

Did you know?

The last time the Hornets beat a team that included James was during James’ first stint with the Cavaliers.

Rick Bonnell

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 8:06 PM with the headline "Hornets Gameday: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers."

Sports Pass is your ticket to Charlotte sports
#ReadLocal

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

VIEW OFFER