The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the road on Wednesday night as they travel to take on the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference matchup.
Cleveland enters Wednesday’s game with a 24-20 record after losing at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday afternoon.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45)© David Richard-Imagn Images
(© David Richard-Imagn Images)
In Monday’s loss to the Thunder, Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers as he recorded 19 points, four rebounds and three assists while Jaylon Tyson added 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists of his own.
Now Cleveland will try to bounce back on the road on Wednesday as they face off against a struggling Hornets team.
On the other side, Charlotte enters Wednesday’s contest with a 16-27 record after defeating the Denver Nuggets on the road on Sunday night.
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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets in Sunday’s victory as he ended the game with 23 points and four rebounds while Ryan Kalkbrenner recorded 17 points and six rebounds off the bench.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Wednesday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Cavaliers Injury Report, Will Darius Garland, Sam Merrill Play?
For the Cavaliers, they have three players listed on their injury report, including both Darius Garland and Sam Merrill.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10)© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
Cleveland has ruled out Garland due to a right toe sprain as he will miss his third consecutive contest.
With Garland sidelined once again, Tyson and Criag Porter Jr. could both continue to have increased roles.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5)Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
The Cavaliers have also ruled out Merrill due to a right hand sprain as he will miss his third straight game while Max Strus remains sidelined while recovering from a left foot surgery.
Hornets Injury Report, Will Tidjane Salaun Play?
On the other side, the Hornets also have three players listed on their injury report, including forward Tidjane Salaun.
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Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31)Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
Charlotte has listed Salaun as probable due to left Achilles tendinopathy and he is expected to play against the Cavaliers.
The Hornets have ruled out KJ Simpson due to a left hip flexor strain while Mason Plumlee remains sidelined while recovering from right groin surgery.
Fans can catch Wednesday night’s matchup between the Cavaliers and Hornets from Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.