The Charlotte Hornets have been playing solid basketball recently, earning wins in two of their last three games. One of which was a road victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After allowing a late Cleveland comeback to force overtime, the Charlotte Hornets' defense dominated in the extra period as they held the Cavaliers to zero points in what ended as a 119-111 victory.
Monday night, the Hornets return to Rocket Arena to face Cleveland once more. However, they'll be without some of their key pieces.
According to Hoops Hype, rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner has been ruled out with an elbow sprain. Additionally, Collin Sexton was downgraded from doubtful to out with a quad strain.
This will be Sexton's eighth game missed due to injury, as the former Cavaliers guard hasn't seen the floor for Charlotte since Dec. 3.
Luckily for the Hornets, LaMelo Ball was upgraded to active, after being listed as questionable due to right wrist soreness.
Although the absence of Kalkbrenner will hinder Charlotte against the lengthy Cavaliers roster, the Hornets will be happy to have another one of their leading scorers available.
Another victory against Cleveland would go a long way, as the Hornets aim to move closer to a Play-In Tournament spot. They currently sit four games behind the Chicago Bulls for the 10th seed in the conference.
Following Monday's contest, Charlotte will quickly return home to face the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back Tuesday before enjoying a brief break for Christmas.
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