The Cleveland Cavaliers are back at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday night, continuing their three-game homestand with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. It’s the second meeting between these two teams in just over a week, and both squads are hoping to get key players back in the mix.
Let’s start with Donovan Mitchell. The All-Star guard is officially listed as probable after missing Friday’s loss to the Bulls due to illness.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Mitchell was “really sick” and the team opted to send him home to rest. That same bug also sidelined Craig Porter Jr., but both players are trending in the right direction and could return to action tonight - a much-needed boost for a Cavs team trying to snap a three-game skid.
Mitchell’s presence is vital for Cleveland. His ability to generate offense, both for himself and others, is the engine of this team’s half-court attack.
Without him, the Cavs have struggled to create consistent looks, and it’s shown in the recent losses. If he’s back, expect him to be aggressive early, especially against a Hornets defense that’s had its fair share of breakdowns this season.
Another potential returnee for Cleveland is Sam Merrill, who’s listed as probable with a right-hand sprain. Merrill hasn’t played since mid-November, but his shooting and floor spacing have been sorely missed.
He’s the kind of off-ball threat who can quietly swing a game by simply being in the right spot and making defenses pay for collapsing on the paint. If he’s cleared, his return could help open up the floor for Mitchell and Darius Garland (though Garland remains out with a jaw injury).
The injury report still isn’t kind to the Cavs, though. Evan Mobley remains out with a left calf strain, and Max Strus is recovering from foot surgery.
Larry Nance Jr. is also sidelined with a calf strain. That leaves Cleveland thin in the frontcourt, putting more pressure on Jarrett Allen to anchor the paint and on the bench to provide quality minutes.
As for the Hornets, LaMelo Ball is available and expected to play despite dealing with right wrist soreness. Ball had a tough outing in Charlotte’s blowout loss to the Pistons, going just 3-of-14 from the field for eight points and turning the ball over four times. That wrist issue may have played a role, especially considering he was coming off a 28-point, 13-assist gem against the Hawks just before that.
Ball’s availability is big for Charlotte. When he’s healthy and locked in, he’s one of the most creative playmakers in the league.
His ability to push the tempo, find shooters, and make something out of nothing puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. If his wrist is feeling better, the Cavs will have their hands full trying to contain him.
Charlotte is also recalling rookie Liam McNeeley from his G League assignment. The late first-round pick is available for tonight’s game, and while he may not see heavy minutes, his presence adds another layer of depth to a Hornets team that’s been dealing with its own injury issues.
Elsewhere on the Hornets’ injury report: Ryan Kalkbrenner is questionable with a left elbow sprain, while Collin Sexton (left quad strain) and Grant Williams (right knee soreness) are both out. Several players remain on G League assignments, including Drew Peterson and Antonio Reeves.
Here’s a full look at the injury report heading into Monday night:
Cavaliers:
- Donovan Mitchell: Probable (illness)
- Sam Merrill: Probable (right hand sprain)
- Craig Porter Jr.: Probable (illness)
- Evan Mobley: Out (left calf strain)
- Larry Nance Jr.: Out (right calf strain)
- Max Strus: Out (left foot surgery)
- Luke Travers: Out (two-way G League assignment)
- Chris Livingston: Out (two-way G League assignment)
Hornets:
- LaMelo Ball: Available (right wrist soreness)
- Ryan Kalkbrenner: Questionable (left elbow sprain)
- Liam McNeeley: Available (G League recall)
- Collin Sexton: Out (left quadriceps strain)
- Grant Williams: Out (right knee soreness)
- Drew Peterson: Out (two-way G League assignment)
- Antonio Reeves: Out (two-way G League assignment)
With both teams navigating injuries and illness, tonight’s game could come down to which supporting cast steps up. If Mitchell suits up and looks like his usual self, Cleveland has a good shot at getting back in the win column. But if Ball finds his rhythm and the Hornets get contributions from their young core, this one could go down to the wire.