CavaliersPublished: Dec. 14, 2025, 5:02 a.m.Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller shoots during an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 5, 2025, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller shoots during an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 5, 2025, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — After escaping Washington by the skin of their teeth Friday night, the Cavs come home with little time to exhale and even less room for complacency. Cleveland returns to Rocket Arena on Sunday afternoon to face the Charlotte Hornets, another test of whether lessons were learned or merely survived.

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.

Here’s what to know about the matchup:

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets

Series: First of four matchups in the regular season.

Where: Rocket Arena

When: 3:30 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-10.5; O/U 234.5

TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Injury report

Cavs

Probable:

Jarrett Allen (right third finger; strain)

Out:

Chris Livingston (G League – Two-Way)Sam Merrill (right hand; sprain)Evan Mobley (left calf; strain)Larry Nance Jr. (right calf; strain)Max Strus (left foot; Jones fracture surgery)Luke Travers (G League – Two-Way)

Hornets

Questionable:

Tidjane Salaun (left hip; soreness)

Out:

LaMelo Ball (left ankle; bone bruise)Pat Connaughton (right calf; strain)Tre Mann (right knee; bone bruise)Liam McNeeley (G League – On Assignment)Antonio Reeves (G League – Two-Way)Collin Sexton (left quadriceps; strain)Grant Williams (right knee; surgery)

Ethan Sands is a sports journalist and podcast host for Cleveland.com, where he covers the Cleveland Cavaliers and hosts the Wine and Gold Talk podcast. Since joining in October 2023, Sands has provided… more