Preview of NBA Game: Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The Charlotte Hornets will look to build on their best offensive stretch of the season when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday night in a rematch from just over a week ago. The Hornets (9-18) enter riding the momentum of a 133-126 victory over Atlanta on Thursday, a game in which their core trio of Kon Knueppel (28 points, 7 assists), LaMelo Ball (28 points, 13 assists) and Brandon Miller (26 points, 7 assists) combined for prolific production. That win followed a 119-111 triumph in Cleveland on Dec. 14, giving Charlotte two wins in its last three outings despite its overall record. Rookie guard Kon Knueppel has been a catalyst during this span, averaging 24.6 points and 6.0 assists over his last five games. He scored 29 points in the win in Cleveland earlier this month. The Cavaliers (15-14), however, are seeking to halt a three-game skid and gain revenge on their home floor. Their most recent loss was a 136-125 defeat to Chicago on Friday, despite a 35-point, 8-assist effort from Darius Garland. Garland, who had 26 points and 9 assists in the prior loss to Charlotte, will be central to Cleveland’s efforts to stabilize after a stretch where the defense has allowed an average of 125.3 points during the losing streak. “We have to get back to being the aggressor, especially defensively,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the Chicago loss. “We know what Charlotte is capable of after seeing them recently. It’s about our response.” The matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions recently, with Charlotte’s offense finding a rhythm and Cleveland’s defense searching for answers. The Cavaliers won three straight prior to this slide and will need a more balanced effort, likely relying on center Jarrett Allen to control the interior after his 14-point, 12-rebound performance Friday. For the Hornets, consistency remains the challenge. Their recent wins are offset by a 2-8 record in the preceding 10 games. Replicating their high-assist, efficient shooting from the last meeting in Cleveland, where they dished out 30 assists, will be key. Monday’s contest is the first of a quick back-to-back for both clubs. Charlotte hosts Washington on Tuesday, while Cleveland welcomes New Orleans.