NBA · Final

Cavaliers Edge Hornets in High-Scoring Thriller

132

139

Monday, December 22, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 139, Charlotte Hornets 132, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Charlotte Hornets 139-132 at Rocket Arena on December 22, 2025.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -375 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.

The Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Charlotte Hornets in a tightly contested game, finishing with a score of 139 to 132. This matchup was notable as it marked the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the series now tied at one win apiece. The Cavaliers, playing at home in Rocket Arena, improved their record to 17-14, while the Hornets fell to 9-21.

In terms of recent form, the Cavaliers have struggled, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, including a three-game losing streak prior to this victory. They averaged 118.4 points scored and allowed 121.2 points during this stretch. Their home record has been particularly challenging, with just one win in their last six home games. Conversely, the Hornets have shown some resilience, going 5-5 in their last ten games, although they are coming off a loss against the Detroit Pistons. They averaged 112.9 points scored and allowed 114.1 points over their last ten games.

When examining the home and away performances, the Cavaliers have struggled at home with a record of 1-5 in their last six games at Rocket Arena. In contrast, the Hornets have a slightly better away record of 2-3 in their last five games. This matchup was critical for both teams, as the Cavaliers aimed to break their losing streak while the Hornets sought to build on their recent success.

In terms of previous meetings, the Cavaliers had won four out of the last five matchups against the Hornets, including their last encounter on December 14, 2025, where the Hornets emerged victorious with a score of 119-111. This history added an extra layer of competitiveness to the game, as both teams looked to assert their dominance in the series.

Injury concerns were also a factor in this matchup, particularly for the Hornets. Brandon Miller and PJ Hall were both listed as day-to-day with shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. Their statuses could have impacted the Hornets' performance, especially in a high-stakes game where depth and versatility are crucial.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers as 9.5-point favorites, with a total set at 239.5 points. The odds reflected the Cavaliers' home advantage and their need to secure a win after a rough patch. The spread and moneyline indicated a strong belief in the Cavaliers' ability to capitalize on their home court.

Conditions during the game were favorable for both teams, with no significant weather or external factors reported that could have influenced play. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Cavaliers' scoring was highlighted by key plays in the fourth quarter, including free throws by Darius Garland and critical three-pointers from Liam McNeeley, who played a pivotal role in the closing moments of the game.

Viewers were likely to focus on the performances of key players, particularly Garland, who contributed significantly to the Cavaliers' scoring, and McNeeley, who made crucial shots down the stretch. The ability of both teams to respond under pressure was also a point of interest, especially given the close nature of the final score.

Overall, this game served as an important moment for the Cavaliers to regain their footing in the season while the Hornets continued to search for consistency. The high-scoring nature of the game and the close finish provided an exciting spectacle for fans and a reminder of the competitive spirit of the NBA.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -9.5	239.5 o -112 / u -108	Charlotte Hornets +295 · Cleveland Cavaliers -375

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsDonovan Mitchell30Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsDarius Garland10Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsDean Wade7Cleveland Cavaliers
PointsLaMelo Ball23Charlotte Hornets
AssistsLaMelo Ball9Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsMoussa Diabate14Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 3-7Streak L3118.4 scored · 121.2 allowed per game1-5 at home

L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
W135-119at Indiana PacersDec 2
L115-117vs Boston CelticsNov 30
L123-130at Atlanta HawksNov 29

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 5-5Streak L1112.9 scored · 114.1 allowed per game2-3 away

L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14
L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13
L106-115vs Denver NuggetsDec 7
W111-86at Toronto RaptorsDec 6
L104-119at New York KnicksDec 4
L103-116at Brooklyn NetsDec 2
W118-111vs Toronto RaptorsNov 29
W123-116vs Chicago BullsNov 29

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Cleveland Cavaliers
Field goals	46-94	48-87
Field goal %	49	55
Three-pointers	21-42	24-44
Three-point %	50	55
Free throws	19-25	19-19
Free throw %	76	100
Rebounds	44	30
Offensive rebounds	17	5
Defensive rebounds	27	25
Assists	29	36
Steals	10	9
Blocks	3	2
Turnovers	19	13
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	1
Technical fouls, total	0	1
Flagrant fouls	1	0
Points off turnovers	31	17
Fast-break points	22	18
Points in the paint	40	42
Fouls	18	20
Largest lead	6	19
Lead changes	12	12
Time in front	13	77

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter93-104Thomas Bryant makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
3rd Quarter95-104Brandon Miller makes 21-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter95-106Donovan Mitchell makes layup (Lonzo Ball assists)
4th Quarter95-107Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter97-107LaMelo Ball makes driving layup
4th Quarter97-109De'Andre Hunter makes 9-foot two point shot
4th Quarter97-110De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter99-110Miles Bridges makes 7-foot two point shot
4th Quarter99-112De'Andre Hunter makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Lonzo Ball assists)
4th Quarter100-112Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter100-115Dean Wade makes 26-foot running jump shot (Lonzo Ball assists)
4th Quarter100-118De'Andre Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
4th Quarter103-118Kon Knueppel makes 27-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter105-118Miles Bridges makes alley oop layup (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter106-118Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter106-119Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter106-120Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter108-120Brandon Miller makes running layup (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter108-123Dean Wade makes 23-foot three point jumper (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter110-123Miles Bridges makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter111-123Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-123Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-126Lonzo Ball makes 25-foot three pointer (Sam Merrill assists)
4th Quarter112-127Dean Wade makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-128Dean Wade makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-131Dean Wade makes 24-foot running jump shot (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter114-131Tre Mann makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter116-131Liam McNeeley makes 1-foot two point shot (Josh Green assists)
4th Quarter119-131Pat Connaughton makes 26-foot running jump shot (Tre Mann assists)
4th Quarter119-133Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter121-133Tre Mann makes 1-foot two point shot
4th Quarter121-134Darius Garland makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter121-135Darius Garland makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter124-135Josh Green makes 22-foot three point jumper (Liam McNeeley assists)
4th Quarter124-137Tyrese Proctor makes 4-foot two point shot (Thomas Bryant assists)
4th Quarter127-137Tre Mann makes 33-foot three pointer
4th Quarter127-139Craig Porter Jr. makes two point shot
4th Quarter130-139Liam McNeeley makes 28-foot three point jumper
4th Quarter131-139Liam McNeeley makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter132-139Liam McNeeley makes free throw 2 of 2