Charlotte's losing streak at home hits five games

In Charlotte, North Carolina, the Hornets prepare for a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The Hornets are struggling this season with a disappointing record of 6 wins and 16 losses, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference, while the Cavaliers boast a strong 20 wins and 3 losses, leading the Eastern Conference. This game marks the first encounter between the two teams this season, and Charlotte is looking to end a disheartening five-game losing streak at home. Their performance against teams within the Eastern Conference has also been lackluster, with a record of 5-15 so far. The Cavaliers are 15-3 in conference play, showcasing their ability to dominate within their division. The Hornets' struggles are compounded by injuries to key players, including LaMelo Ball, who is out with a calf injury, and Grant Williams, who is sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Miles Bridges is listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue, while Tre Mann is out with a back injury. In contrast, the Cavaliers' roster is also affected by injuries, with Emoni Bates and Max Strus both listed as out and Craig Porter Jr. being day-to-day due to illness. The absence of LaMelo Ball, who has been a significant contributor, averaging 31.1 points per game, puts Charlotte at a disadvantage as they face off against a capable Cavaliers team led by Donovan Mitchell, who averages 24.5 points per game. The disparity in scoring averages between the two teams has also been apparent, with the Cavaliers averaging 122.0 points per game compared to the Hornets, who allow 112.6 points. Cleveland also excels in assists, averaging 28.2 per game, which is a key component of their offensive strategy. In their last ten games, the Hornets have only managed to win once, averaging 105.6 points and shooting 42.0% from the field. This trend indicates that they not only need to improve their defense but also find a way to score more efficiently to challenge a high-scoring team like the Cavaliers. As they prepare for this matchup, the Hornets are aware that reversing their home losing streak against a team as formidable as Cleveland represents a significant challenge that could dictate the rest of their season. Overall, the upcoming game against the Cavaliers serves as a critical opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets to regain some traction and restore confidence after a series of disappointing performances. A win on Saturday could provide the momentum needed for the team to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference and address their home game woes.