Betting tips from AI for Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets, 23 December 2025.

Cleveland enters the lines as a heavy favorite 1.25, but the picture is muddied: Evan Mobley is out with a calf strain, Donovan Mitchell is sick, and Max Strus is limited. The Cavs have dropped three straight and are a troubling 5-12 ATS at home, weakening that short price.

Charlotte arrives with LaMelo Ball back and rookie Kon Knueppel scorching in four straight games after an OT win over Cleveland. The Hornets are listed at 4.17 and have a 4-2 ATS surge; given the Cavs' injuries and recent form, Charlotte's upset equity is plausibly well above the implied ~24% market chance, making a $1 play on the Hornets strong value.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, priced at 1.25, are reeling from a three-game skid and a slew of injuries, with Evan Mobley sidelined, Donovan Mitchell battling illness, and Max Strus nursing a foot issue. Their dismal 5-12 ATS record at home further compounds their struggles. In stark contrast, the Charlotte Hornets, coming in at 4.17, are flying high. They just edged the Cavs in overtime last week and followed it up with a gritty win over Atlanta, showcasing explosive chemistry between LaMelo Ball and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. With analysts backing Charlotte to cover the 1.10 spread again and a clear revenge motive, the Hornets are poised to capitalize on Cleveland's woes. The value lies firmly with the underdog in this one.

The Hornets are showing remarkable momentum with LaMelo Ball's return and Kon Knueppel's hot streak, creating a dynamic offense that just toppled the Cavs in overtime last week. Cleveland's current vulnerability is glaring – they're mired in a three-game losing streak and their home ATS record (5-12) reveals a team failing to meet expectations as favorites.

Cleveland's injury woes compound their troubles, with Evan Mobley sidelined, Donovan Mitchell battling illness, and Max Strus nursing a foot issue. This depleted roster simply can't justify the 1.25 odds they're commanding.

Charlotte's recent offensive explosion (133 points with 39 assists against Atlanta) demonstrates their improved ball movement and scoring punch. While the Hornets' 4.17 underdog status presents tremendous value, their momentum, recent head-to-head success, and Cleveland's injury situation create the perfect storm for an upset at Rocket Arena.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are stumbling into this matchup on a brutal three-game losing streak, their 15-14 record looking shakier by the day with a woeful 5-12 against-the-spread at home. Injuries are piling up: Evan Mobley out with a calf strain, Donovan Mitchell fighting illness, and Max Strus sidelined by a foot issue, leaving their defense vulnerable at Rocket Arena.

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are buzzing with momentum. LaMelo Ball's return has ignited an explosive duo with rookie Kon Knueppel, who's been lighting up the scoreboard in four straight games. Fresh off a gritty 133-126 win over Atlanta—complete with 39 assists and 11 steals—they're primed for revenge after edging the Cavs in overtime last week. Their 4-2 ATS surge screams value on the road.

With odds listing Cleveland as heavy 1.25 favorites and Charlotte at 4.17, the smart money sees an upset brewing. The Hornets' speed and shooting could exploit Cleveland's banged-up squad, making this a prime spot to back the underdog for a profitable payout.

The Charlotte Hornets are primed for another upset against the Cleveland Cavaliers, fueled by LaMelo Ball's explosive return and rookie Kon Knueppel's red-hot streak. Cleveland is reeling from a three-game skid and crippling injuries, with Evan Mobley sidelined, Donovan Mitchell battling illness, and Max Strus nursing a foot issue.

Meanwhile, the Hornets are riding high after a gritty 133-126 win over Atlanta, showcasing elite playmaking with 39 assists and defensive tenacity with 11 steals. Analysts back Charlotte to cover the spread again, citing their 4-2 ATS surge and fresh revenge motive.

With the Cavs at a dismal 5-12 ATS at home and the Hornets' momentum, the value lies in Charlotte at 4.17, despite Cleveland being heavy favorites at 1.25.

The Charlotte Hornets are shaping up as a tantalizing underdog bet in this matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With LaMelo Ball back in action and forming an explosive partnership with rookie standout Kon Knueppel, the Hornets have shown they can compete at a high level. Their recent 133-126 victory over Atlanta highlighted their offensive firepower, dishing out 39 assists while showcasing resilience despite turnovers. This team is riding a wave of confidence after edging the Cavs in overtime last week, and their 4-2 ATS record suggests they’re undervalued by oddsmakers.

On the flip side, the Cavaliers are struggling mightily. A three-game losing streak, coupled with key injuries to Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and Max Strus, has exposed cracks in their foundation. Their 5-12 ATS record at home further underscores their inability to cover spreads consistently in Rocket Arena. The odds reflect Cleveland’s status as heavy favorites at 1.25, but those numbers seem inflated given their current form and injury woes.

Charlotte’s +9.5 spread looks appealing, especially considering their revenge motive and strong recent performances. At 4.17, betting on the Hornets outright isn’t just contrarian—it’s backed by tangible momentum and matchup dynamics that favor an upset bid.