The Charlotte Hornets are averaging just 96.3 points per game, a number that looks low compared to the 117.0 points the Cleveland Cavaliers score every night. The home team trails the Cavaliers by a significant offensive margin as they prepare for Tuesday’s game, with the Cavaliers on a winning streak and the Hornets still searching for consistency. According to ESPN, the Hornets have lost their last six games in a row. That slide puts them in a bad spot right before they host a team that scores nearly 21 more points per game than they do.
Two Teams in Different Spots
Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers with 24.0 points per game. He also shoots 48.8% from the field and 77.0% from the free-throw line, according to ESPN. His numbers show why Cleveland is so hard to stop. On the other side, Brandon Miller is the top scorer for the Hornets with 20.6 points per game. But Miller is shooting just 35.6% from the field. The difference in shooting efficiency is clear. Cleveland makes 46% of their shots while the Hornets only make 39% per ESPN. That seven-point gap in field goal percentage is a big reason why the Hornets have lost so many games lately.
The Hornets also struggle to move the ball. They average 20.8 assists per game. The Cavaliers move the ball much better with 27.0 assists per game. More passes lead to better shots, and that helps explain the scoring difference. The Hornets need to find a way to get more players involved if they want to stop the bleeding. Without better ball movement, they will keep facing the same issues on Tuesday night.
Key Players Sidelined
Injuries are hurting both teams before the game starts. The Hornets will be without Brandon Miller for Tuesday night because he has a groin injury. He is listed as out with an estimated return date of November 12. Dennis Schroder is also out with a hamstring injury and will not return until November 25. This leaves the Hornets with a thin bench. Grant Williams is out too, with a hamstring injury that keeps him away until November 12. Kon Knueppel is out for a long time, with a return not expected until December 12.
The Cavaliers have their own issues. Sam Merrill is out with an elbow injury and is expected back on November 11. Jarrett Allen is listed as game-time decision for Tuesday with a knee injury. His status was uncertain as of November 9. Jaylon Tyson is out with an ankle injury and will not return until November 11. These absences change how both teams play. The Hornets are missing their leading scorer and a key guard. The Cavaliers are missing a shooter and their starting center. The game could come down to who has more healthy players on the floor.
Recent Results Show the Trend
The recent games show a clear pattern for both sides. The Hornets lost to the Boston Celtics on November 7 by a score of 119-80. They also lost to Brooklyn on November 5 with a score of 114-104. Before that, they fell to Detroit 124-91 on November 3. The Hornets allowed 110.2 points against per game this season. That number is high, but their offense is the bigger problem. They only score 96.3 points per game. The Cavaliers allow 114.1 points against per game, but they score so much that it does not matter as much. Cleveland beat Philadelphia on November 7 with a score of 119-95. They also beat Milwaukee on November 1 with a score of 136-111.
Even with the losses, the Hornets have some bright spots. Moussa Diabate averages 9.1 rebounds per game, which is more than Evan Mobley’s 8.1 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Diabate is listed as game-time decision for Tuesday with a quadriceps injury. If he plays, he could help the Hornets control the boards. The Hornets also average 4.8 blocks per game compared to the Cavaliers’ 5.5. The steal numbers are close, with Cleveland at 7.2 and Charlotte at 7.0 per game. The Hornets need to use their defense to keep the game close. If they can slow down Mitchell and the Cavaliers, they might have a chance. The Cavaliers take on the Hornets on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
