Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Updated Jan 21, after the final
Projected starting lineups and depth for both teams, by minutes over recent games: Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets, 21 January 2026. The written preview, odds and model sit on the main preview page.
Projected Starting Fives
Minutes this season| Cleveland Cavaliers | Position | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
Donovan Mitchell 34.0 mpg · 24.0 pts  | PG |  Sion James 25.3 mpg · 5.8 pts |
Craig Porter 17.6 mpg · 0.6 pts  | SG |  Tidjane Salaun 16.3 mpg · 6.1 pts |
Tyrese Proctor 10.8 mpg · 6.0 pts  | SF |  Brandon Miller 30.0 mpg · 20.6 pts |
Evan Mobley 33.2 mpg · 18.4 pts  | PF |  Moussa Diabate 24.5 mpg · 8.9 pts |
Thomas Bryant 9.2 mpg · 8.2 pts  | C |  Ryan Kalkbrenner 24.7 mpg · 4.5 pts |
Starters are not published in advance. These five are the heaviest minute-earners on each contracted roster who can cover all five positions between them. Every game's starting lineups →
Depth chart
Quick answers2 questions
What are the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets starting lineups?
For 21 January 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to start Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Craig Porter, Lonzo Ball and Nae'Qwan Tomlin. The Charlotte Hornets are expected to start Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James and Tidjane Salaun. Ruled out from the usual starters: Jarrett Allen (Out), Kon Knueppel (Out).
Who is out for Cavaliers vs Hornets?
For 21 January 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers are without 3 players: Jaylon Tyson (Out), Jarrett Allen (Out) and Sam Merrill (Out), and the Charlotte Hornets are without 3 players: Kon Knueppel (Out), Grant Williams (Out) and Dennis Schroder (Out). Statuses come from the latest injury report and update through the day until tip-off.