Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – February 24, 2016

Cleveland opened its two-game home stand in disappointing fashion as it suffered a stinging eight-point defeat to the Detroit Pistons. The Cavaliers will look for a much better performance later tonight when they host the red-hot Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena.

Who will emerge victorious in this Eastern Conference clash? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this NBA matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland

When: Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 PM ET

Line: Charlotte Hornets (+8.5) at Cleveland Cavaliers (-8.5); total: 206.5 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: FSOH

Betting on the Charlotte Hornets (29-26)

The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to a season-high five games with an impressive 104-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. Kemba Walker led the way for the Hornets in this contest, scoring 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the floor. He has been unstoppable for Charlotte of late, averaging 25.2 points in his last six games.

Key to the Hornets’ stunning resurgence has been their incredible offense. The Hornets are averaging 107 points over their last five games. That’s way above their season average of 102.0 points. That sizzling offense was in full display Sunday against the Nets where they shot a solid 50.6 percent from the field.

Charlotte’s offense is bound to get even better with the return of Al Jefferson to their lineup. He showed glimpses of what he can bring to the Hornets offense in the game against Brooklyn, scoring 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting in his first outing since returning from a meniscus injury. He will help boost a Charlotte frontline that’s averaging just 37.4 points inside the paint this season, fourth-worst in the entire NBA.

The Hornets are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four road games.

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Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-15)

The Cleveland Cavaliers had their four-game unbeaten run snapped on Monday with a 96-88 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs had no answer for Reggie Jackson who scored a team-high 23 points and dished out four assists. It was a disappointing defeat for the Cavs who lost to the Pistons for the second time this season.

The Cavs will look to return to winning ways tonight when they face the streaking Charlotte Hornets. For Cleveland to pull off the victory tonight, it needs to get a much improved performance from LeBron James. The four-time MVP struggled mightily on the offensive end on Monday, scoring just 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting from the field. James was also sloppy with the basketball, committing a whopping six turnovers against the Pistons.

It won’t get any easier for James later tonight as he will square off with an ever-improving Charlotte defense that’s allowing just 94.3 points over its last four games. That won’t faze King James, though, who is averaging 24.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in two games against the Hornets this season. James has been tremendous for the Cavs this season, leading the team not only in scoring (24.8 PPG), but also in assists (6.6 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG) as well.

The Cavaliers are 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS in their last eight home games against the Hornets.

Writer’s Prediction

The Cavs (-8.5) ease past the Hornets, 112-99.