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Cavaliers vs. Hornets prediction: Cleveland to win, Donovan Mitchell projected for big game in Friday's NBA matchup [2/20/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets predictions for NBA Friday.
The Charlotte Hornets will face the favored Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA action at Spectrum Center on Friday, commencing at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Cavaliers as the most likely winner of the Cavaliers vs. Hornets game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Hornets lineup will feature stars like Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, while the Cavaliers will look to Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Jarrett Allen.
This article offers a closer look at Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Cavs vs. Hornets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Friday's NBA matchup between the Cavaliers and Hornets 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives the Cavaliers a 66% chance of beating the Hornets. Our predicted final score has the Cavaliers winning 116-111.
According to our model, the Hornets (+5.5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the 228.5-point over/under has a 51% chance of staying under.
Cavaliers vs. Hornets odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Cavaliers | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -5.5 (-105) | +5.5 (-105) |
| Moneyline | -215 | +180 |
| Total | o228.5 (-115) | u228.5 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Cavaliers vs. Hornets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Hornets +5.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Cavaliers | -215 |
| Total | Under 228.5 | -105 |
According to our best NBA bets for Friday, the top play to make on this game is Hornets +5.5 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Cavaliers vs. Hornets player props
NBA player props are a common way to wager on Friday's Cleveland vs. Charlotte game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Spectrum Center.
Donovan Mitchell is expected to lead the Cavaliers with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Brandon Miller is projected to have 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the Hornets.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Cavaliers prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Cavaliers are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. Mitchell | 26 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 46 |
| James Harden | 21 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 45 |
| Jarrett Allen | 15 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 33 |
| Jaylon Tyson | 11 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 24 |
| Sam Merrill | 10 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
Hornets prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Hornets:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Miller | 23 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 42 |
| LaMelo Ball | 21 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 46 |
| Kon Knueppel | 19 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 37 |
| R. Kalkbrenner | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| Tre Mann | 9 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 19 |
Cavs vs. Hornets game-day updates and essential details
Friday's action between the Hornets and Cavaliers at Spectrum Center is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets
- Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Spectrum Center
Conclusion
We predict the Cavaliers, with a 66% win probability, will likely beat the Hornets on Friday, with Donovan Mitchell projected for a game-high 46 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Cavaliers vs. Hornets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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