Much is being made of LeBron James missing this game and how bad the Cavaliers have been.

But the Hornets are a far worse team and they are without leading scorer and rebounder Al Jefferson, who is as valuable to them as James is to the Cavaliers.

The Hornets also have been without Lance Stephenson. Stephenson has been a disappointment in Charlotte but his absence weakens the Hornets' already short bench.

Kyrie Irving is playing well for Cleveland. The big news here for the Cavaliers is Kevin Love and Shawn Marion are both expected to play.

(Editor's note: In addition to this selection, red-hot Stephen Nover has his Bowl Game of the Year and 15-Dime NBA Slam Dunk going today. Stephen easily cashed his Bowl Total of the Year on Thursday with the over in Ohio State-Alabama and is 11-6 on his last 17 premium NBA plays.)