Hornets at Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers own the worst record in the NBA as they prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Cleveland has dropped five consecutive games, the latest being a 99-98 setback against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Rookie point guard Collin Sexton had the chance to be a hero in the loss to the Bulls but came up empty in the final seconds. "I felt like I got to my spot and that was the right spot," Sexton told reporters. "They told me to take that, I'm going to make it the next time." The Hornets mauled the Cavaliers 126-94 on Nov. 3 and enter the rematch fresh off Sunday's impressive 113-103 road win over the Detroit Pistons. "Their effort and their attention to detail were fantastic," Charlotte coach James Borrego told reporters. "I'm really proud of our group on both ends of the floor."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Ohio (Cleveland)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (7-6): Veteran point guard Tony Parker matched his season high of 24 points against Detroit and was a solid 11-of-18 from the field in his latest impressive performance. "He is a leader," star guard Kemba Walker told reporters of Parker. "He brings passion and the winning attitude. He just knows how to win." Walker recorded 24 points and eight assists against the Pistons and is averaging 27.7 points to go along with eight assists over the past three contests.
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (1-11): Cleveland's injury list continues to grow as forward Cedi Osman (back) will miss second straight game, while swingman Kyle Korver (foot) is slated to miss at least two more games and shooting guard JR Smith (illness) is questionable. The Cavaliers are already without standout forward Kevin Love (foot surgery) for another month while point guard George Hill (shoulder) and forward Sam Dekker (ankle) are also ailing. Sexton made his second career start on Saturday and tallied a season-best 20 points in 34 minutes.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Hornets have lost their past seven visits to Cleveland.
2. Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson has recorded three straight double-doubles and scored a season-high 22 points in Saturday's loss to the Bulls.
3. Charlotte F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) was injured against the Pistons and is questionable for Tuesday's game.