The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse as they continue their three-game homestand. The big question for fans is whether star players Donovan Mitchell and LaMelo Ball will take the court tonight.
Donovan Mitchell is listed as probable due to an illness that sidelined him during Cleveland’s recent loss to the Chicago Bulls. The Cavaliers decided to allow him some time to recuperate, but it seems he is on the mend. On the other hand, LaMelo Ball is officially available to play despite dealing with right wrist soreness, which affected his recent performance against the Detroit Pistons.
In their last encounter, Mitchell’s absence contributed to the Cavaliers’ struggle, marking their third consecutive loss. The hope is that he will return to strengthen the lineup. On the bright side, Cavs swingman Sam Merrill might also make his comeback after being out for over a month due to a right-hand injury, adding another boost to the team’s depth.
For the Hornets, Ball is looking to bounce back from a subpar game against Detroit, where he scored only eight points. However, he previously demonstrated his capabilities with a 28-point, 13-assist performance in a win against the Atlanta Hawks, indicating he is still a key player for Charlotte.
As for the injury report, the Cavaliers will be without Evan Mobley, Larry Nance Jr., and Max Strus, while several players remain out on two-way G League assignments. The Hornets will also navigate the game with a few injuries but seem to have some depth with the recall of Liam McNeeley from the G League.
Both teams are eager to secure a win, making this matchup critical for their early-season momentum. Fans will be pleased to see Mitchell back on the floor if he is indeed fit to play, while Ball’s performance will be closely watched as he looks to regain his form. This game could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of both teams in the league this season.