Bryan Armetta shares his preview, prediction and pick for Friday’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Hornets.

On Friday’s nine-game NBA slate, Charlotte’s Spectrum Center is the place to be. The Hornets (26-30, 10th in East) have been on a tear, winning ten of their last 12 games. Tonight, they’ll face a major test against the Cavaliers (35-21, 4th in East). Cleveland, since trading for James Harden earlier this month, has won four straight contests. Which side has the advantage going into this potential playoff preview?

The Cavs are 6.5-point favorites (-108) over the Hornets on DraftKings Sportsbook. Cleveland is favored at -225 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 230.5 points. Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Friday’s Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets matchup.

Cavaliers vs. Hornets prediction, preview

Following last season’s 64-win campaign, expectations were high for the Cavs. The team stumbled out of the gate, due in part to some untimely injuries. However, following the previously mentioned Harden trade, this group appears to have found its footing. The former MVP gives Cleveland an elite playmaker alongside Donovan Mitchell, who can now focus primarily on scoring. Spida currently ranks sixth in the NBA with 28.8 points per game. As for Harden, he’s fourth in the association with 8.2 assists. That’s a lethal combination, even if the defensive pairing is somewhat questionable.

Fortunately for the Cavaliers, the perimeter is the only area offenses can attack with confidence. Down low, former Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley remains a two-way threat. The power forward has racked up 2.0 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, in addition to solid production on the other end of the floor. Fellow big man Jarrett Allen remains a solid, albeit slightly undersized, presence at center. Over their last three games, the Cavs have held opponents to an average of 36.7 points in the paint. That’s the second-lowest mark in basketball during that time.

Over Cleveland’s last four games, since acquiring Harden, the team has posted a +15.4 net rating. That’s the third-best mark in the NBA, behind only the Pistons (+21.1) and Spurs (+21.1). Mitchell is putting up 28.5 points during that time, while Harden has dished out 8.8 assists.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Charlotte this season. What looked like another dismal campaign has turned into something fun and exciting for the franchise’s long-suffering fans. The Hornets have won 13 of their last 20 games, looking the part of an up-and-coming squad. Rookie of the Year favorite Kon Knueppel has been arguably the team’s best player. Through 54 outings, he’s putting up 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game to go with 48/43/90 shooting splits. In addition, the Duke alum is knocking down 3.4 three-pointers per game, tied for the NBA’s fourth-best mark.

It’s not as if Knueppel is doing it alone on offense. The sharpshooter is joined by the likes of LaMelo Ball (19.3 PPG, 7.4 AST), Miles Bridges (18.2 PPG, 6.1 REB) and Brandon Miller (20.6 PPG). Down low, the center duo of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate have combined for 14.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. On defense, what was once a weakness has turned into a strength. The Hornets own a 109.1 defensive rating over their past ten contests, seventh-best in basketball during that time.

Cavaliers vs. Hornets pick, best bet

The edge in this one could come down to scheduling. Both of these teams are entering the second leg of a back-to-back. However, the Hornets suffered a brutal 105-101 defeat vs. the Rockets. In comparison, Cleveland was able to get ample rest during its 112-84 victory over the Nets. Mitchell only logged 21 minutes while Mobley took the floor for 19. That should give the visiting Cavaliers an edge over their more tired opponents.

Best Bet: Cavaliers -6.5 (-108)