Cleveland- The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to avenge their worst loss of the season, Tuesday night as they host the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets beat the Cavaliers by 32 points the first time these two teams met,since then the Cavaliers have lost their three games by a combined 12 points. Overall the Cavaliers are sitting at (1-11) and are in the midst of a five game losing streak, but coach Larry Drew believes they are a different team now.
” I don’t think we are that same team at this point. I really like we’ve made strides since the last time we played this team,” Drew said. Over the last few games it is obvious to see that the Cavs have made strides as a team, unfortunately those strides haven’t lead to victories. Losing games in the final minutes is difficult, but it is progress for a team that has already lost seven times this season by double digits.
It is no secret the Cavaliers are undermanned right now, missing five rotational players would be no easy task for any NBA team. The injuries have created opportunities for others to get their shot, most importantly Collin Sexton. The rookie point guard has been a suspect of criticism early on this season, not just from fans or critics but also his own teammates. With George Hill being sidelined the Cavaliers have had no other choice but to feed Sexton to the fire. Thus far the rookie has started back to back games, and is expected to start again on Tuesday. Sexton is averaging 17.5ppg while also adding in two assists, he has played with a confidence the rookie lacked early on.
Charlotte comes in winning three out their last five, playing some of their best basketball of the season right now. Following their win Sunday against Detroit, Hornets head coach James Borrego spoke on his teams recent play, ” Our effort, our attention to detail, our execution only getting better. Our rotation is taking form. I’m really proud of our group.” While the Hornets rotation may be taking shape, Charlotte will be without a piece Tuesday night, as forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is out with an ankle injury.
Location:
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Oh
Probable Starters:
Cleveland:
- Collin Sexton
- Rodney Hood
- Tristan Thompson
- Jr Smith
- Larry Nance Jr
Charlotte:
- Kemba Walker
- Cody Zeller
- Jeremy Lamb
- Marvin Williams
- Nicolas Batum
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