Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Updated Dec 22, after the final
Projected starting lineups and depth for both teams, by minutes over recent games: Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers, 22 December 2025. The written preview, odds and model sit on the main preview page.
Projected Starting Fives
Minutes this season| Charlotte Hornets | Position | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
Sion James 26.1 mpg · 5.8 pts  | PG |  Donovan Mitchell 34.4 mpg · 24.0 pts |
Tidjane Salaun 15.1 mpg · 6.1 pts  | SG |  Craig Porter 16.4 mpg · 0.6 pts |
Brandon Miller 29.1 mpg · 20.6 pts  | SF |  Tyrese Proctor 12.6 mpg · 6.0 pts |
Moussa Diabate 21.7 mpg · 8.9 pts  | PF |  Evan Mobley 34.2 mpg · 18.4 pts |
Ryan Kalkbrenner 25.7 mpg · 4.5 pts  | C |  Thomas Bryant 9.0 mpg · 8.2 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 Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineups?
For 22 December 2025, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to start Ryan Kalkbrenner, Brandon Miller, Sion James, Moussa Diabate and Tidjane Salaun. The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to start Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Proctor, Evan Mobley, Lonzo Ball and Nae'Qwan Tomlin. Ruled out from the usual starters: Kon Knueppel (Out).
Who is out for Hornets vs Cavaliers?
For 22 December 2025, the Charlotte Hornets are without 3 players: Kon Knueppel (Out), Grant Williams (Out) and Dennis Schroder (Out), and the Cleveland Cavaliers are without 3 players: Jaylon Tyson (Out), Jarrett Allen (Out) and Sam Merrill (Out). Statuses come from the latest injury report and update through the day until tip-off.