Charlotte Hornets vs
Cleveland CavaliersPredictions & Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers favored to win against Charlotte Hornets in final game of NBA Eastern Conference season

The Charlotte Hornets will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the final game of the NBA Eastern Conference season. The Hornets, currently ranked 13th in the East with a record of 20-61, are coming off a large loss to the Celtics. The Cavaliers, ranked 4th in the East with a record of 48-33, recently defeated the Pacers. Both teams have split victories in their previous two meetings this season. The Cavaliers are the favorite to win with a betting line of -13 that has remained unchanged. Tipoff is set for 1:00 EST at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hornets +600 | Cavaliers -950
• Spread: Hornets +13 (-110) | Cavaliers -13 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 208.75 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 90%.

Charlotte vs Cleveland Stats

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are wrapping up their 2023-24 season, projected to finish 13th in the Eastern Conference. They are expected to receive the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, pending lottery results, in a draft considered relatively weak. The team will need to explore additional avenues to strengthen their roster around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. In their last game, Tre Mann led in scoring with 19 points in a losing effort against the Boston Celtics. Despite their top scorers Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller only playing limited minutes in the blowout, the Hornets continue to focus on player development. The team's backcourt features Tre Mann and Vaslije Micic, with additional contributions from Marques Bolden. Charlotte ranks poorly in offensive and defensive efficiency, and has struggled with injuries. Offensively, the Hornets shoot below average from the field and three-point range, while defensively they allow high shooting percentages. The team has a record of 20-61 for the season and is currently in 29th place in power rankings.

Cleveland Cavaliers Analysis

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently vying for the two seed in the playoffs, but would need help from other teams losing in their final game. The team has been hindered by injuries but is now at full strength with top scorers Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley back in action. Mitchell leads the team in scoring but is ineligible for awards due to missed games. The Cavaliers also rely on strong contributions from Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, and Caris LeVert. They have a strong defensive ranking, with solid offensive stats as well. The team is currently 48-33 overall for the season. In their last matchups, the Cavaliers have shown strong offensive and defensive performance, making them a competitive team in the league.

Eastern Conference Playoff Seeding Contention Heats Up: Pacers, Magic, 76ers, and Heat Battle for Top Spots

In the NBA, certain teams are currently contending for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. The 6th seed will likely be awarded to either the Pacers or Magic, while the 7th and 8th seeds are expected to go to either the 76ers or Heat. The Celtics have secured the 1st seed, but other teams may strategically aim for the 3rd or 4th seed to avoid facing strong opponents like the 76ers or Heat in the first round. Despite their recent setback due to injuries, the 76ers have regained competitiveness with the return of key players such as Joel Embiid. The Cavaliers currently hold the 4th seed, a favorable position for their young team aiming to avoid challenging matchups in the postseason. The Hornets are projected to utilize their healthy young talent to compete within a 16.5-point spread. It is advisable to consider betting on the Hornets to cover this spread.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]