The Charlotte Hornets have struggled mightily throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 14-45. Despite some promising performances from individual players, the team has lacked consistency, particularly on the defensive end. Under head coach Steve Clifford, the Hornets have been attempting to develop their young core while also trying to compete on a nightly basis, but injuries and roster inconsistencies have made that a challenge. As they prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 7, 2025, at Spectrum Center, the Hornets are looking for any opportunity to secure a statement win against one of the NBA’s top teams. Offensively, Charlotte has faced serious challenges this season, averaging just 106.3 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Their field goal percentage sits at 42.9%, another indicator of their struggles to convert scoring opportunities. The bright spot for the team has been LaMelo Ball, who leads Charlotte with 26.7 points per game while also averaging 7.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds. Ball has been a one-man offensive engine for the Hornets, but the lack of consistent scoring from the rest of the roster has placed a heavy burden on him. Rookie Brandon Miller has shown flashes of promise, contributing 15.8 points per game, but the supporting cast around Ball and Miller has largely underwhelmed. The Hornets’ three-point shooting, sitting at 33.8%, has also been an issue, as they have failed to stretch opposing defenses effectively. Defensively, the Hornets have been equally vulnerable, allowing 111.8 points per game. Their opponents have been able to shoot efficiently against them, with Charlotte giving up a 46.6% field goal percentage.

Interior defense has been a weakness, with the team ranking in the bottom third of the NBA in blocks per game. Mark Williams and P.J. Washington have worked to protect the paint, but Charlotte’s perimeter defense has been porous, allowing teams to take and make high-percentage three-pointers against them. Their rebounding efforts, averaging 45.5 rebounds per game, have been solid, but that has not translated into enough stops to make them competitive in close games. Injuries have also played a role in Charlotte’s struggles, as key players have missed extended time. LaMelo Ball has dealt with recurring ankle issues, which have impacted his availability. Without him on the floor, the Hornets’ offense becomes even more stagnant. Gordon Hayward has also missed significant time due to lingering injuries, removing another potential scoring option from the lineup. As Charlotte prepares to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, they are well aware of the challenge ahead. The Cavaliers boast one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA, with an elite defense and a potent offense led by Donovan Mitchell. If the Hornets are to have any chance of pulling off an upset, they will need a near-flawless game from Ball and improved three-point shooting from the supporting cast. Additionally, limiting turnovers and finding ways to slow down the Cavaliers’ transition offense will be critical. Though their playoff hopes have long been extinguished, the Hornets are still playing for pride and player development as they look ahead to next season.