Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and guard Donovan Mitchell (45) wait along side head coach Kenny Atkinson (Image via Imagn) The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Charlotte tonight to face the Charlotte Hornets, with both teams dealing with notable absences. These injuries are expected to influence rotations, pushing both coaching staffs toward simpler lineups and heavier minutes for core players.Cleveland enters as the stronger side on paper, but the injury situation has tightened the matchup. Playing at home, Charlotte has a chance to stay competitive if it can exploit mismatches and keep the tempo high.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report vs Charlotte Hornets (January 21, 2026)
Cleveland Cavaliers’ most significant absence is Darius Garland, who remains out with a right great toe sprain. Garland typically orchestrates the offense, averaging nearly 18 points and six assists, and his absence shifts more responsibility onto individual shot creation.Max Strus is also unavailable following left foot surgery for a Jones fracture, while Sam Merrill is sidelined with a sprained right hand. Cleveland is further short-handed with two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers unavailable, thinning an already limited bench.
Cleveland’s Offensive Focus Without Garland
With Garland out, Donovan Mitchell becomes the clear focal point. Averaging 24.3 points per game, Mitchell is expected to see increased usage as both a scorer and primary ball-handler.In the frontcourt, Evan Mobley takes on added importance. Cleveland will rely on him for rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring, especially in lineups that lack playmaking from the guard spot.
Charlotte Hornets Injury Report vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 21, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets have their own challenges. Center Mason Plumlee is out after right groin surgery, weakening the Hornets’ interior depth. Guard KJ Simpson is also sidelined with a left hip flexor strain.Tidjane Salaun is listed as probable despite left Achilles tendinopathy and is expected to play, though his minutes may be monitored. Additional absences from G League assignments and two-way contracts, including PJ Hall, Liam McNeeley, and Antonio Reeves, further limit Charlotte’s flexibility if foul trouble or fatigue sets in.
Charlotte Horbnet’s Key Players and Game Plan
With fewer established rotation players available, LaMelo Ball has more freedom to control the offense. He averages over 17 points and nearly six assists and will be central to pushing pace and creating early offense.On the wing, Brandon Miller remains Charlotte’s primary scoring option, leading the team at just over 20 points per game. His ability to score efficiently will be critical if the Hornets want to stay within reach late.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Player Stats Comparison
PlayerTeamPTSREBASSTNotes Donovan Mitchell CLE 24.3 4.3 5.2 Available, heavy usage expected Darius Garland CLE 17.9 2.1 6.4 Out (toe sprain) LaMelo Ball CHA 17.4 3.5 5.7 Available Brandon Miller CHA 20.1 4.8 3.5 Key scorer available Evan Mobley CLE ~17 ~8 — Frontcourt anchor available
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Pace, Matchups, and Game Outlook (January 21, 2026)
This game is likely to move quicker than usual, with both teams looking to push the pace and create shots early in the clock. Cleveland is still the better side on paper, but missing Garland leaves them with less room to recover from mistakes. If Mitchell struggles to find his rhythm, Charlotte has a real chance to stay within reach and make it a tight game late.