Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction and Preview - Dec. 22 | 2025-2026 NBA Season

The Charlotte Hornets will end their ongoing road trip on Monday, set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The clash at the Rocket Arena marks the second of four meetings between the Eastern Conference teams, with the Hornets currently leading the regular season series 1-0.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

The Hornets-Cavaliers clash is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). The live telecast will be available on Peacock and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. Fans can watch the contest via livestream on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (restrictions may apply).

Moneyline: Hornets (+295) vs Cavaliers (-375)

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Odds: Hornets +8.5 (-102) vs Cavaliers -8.5 (-118)

Total (O/U): O238.5 (-105) vs U238.5 (-111)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of publication.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers were in good form till mid-November and looked like one of the stronger teams in the East with a 12-6 record. However, that momentum suffered a hit during a two-game road trip that began on Nov. 24. Since then, the Cavs have struggled, winning just three of their last 11 games and sliding down to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Charlotte Hornets, on the other hand, have been trending in the opposite direction. After beginning with a disappointing 4-14 record over their first 18 games, Charlotte has found its rhythm. Over the past three weeks, the Hornets have gone 5-5 and climbed up to 12th in the standings.

That stretch included an impressive win over Cleveland. In the first meeting between the two teams on Dec. 14, the Hornets clinched a 119-111 overtime victory despite playing without LaMelo Ball. Kon Knueppel led the way with a game-high 29 points while shooting 11-19 from the field.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting 5s

Hornets Starting 5

G: LaMelo Ball | G: Kon Knueppel | F: Brandon Miller | F: Miles Bridges | C: Ryan Kalkbrenner

Cavaliers Starting 5

G: Darius Garland | G: Donovan Mitchell | F: Jaylon Tyson | F: Dean Wade | C: Jarrett Allen

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Tips

• Donovan Mitchell O/U 30.5 points - Take the under
• Jarrett Allen O/U 8.5 rebounds - Take the over
• LaMelo Ball O/U 19.5 points - Take the over
• Lonzo Ball O/U 3.5 assists - Take the over

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

The Cavaliers will be eager to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to the Hornets last week. Even without Evan Mobley, Cleveland still has a much deeper and more talented roster than Charlotte. They have also been solid at home this season, boasting a 9-11 record. On the other hand, the Hornets have struggled away from home, going just 3-11 on the road.

Prediction: Expect the Cavaliers to win by 14 points.

Edited by Advait Jajodia