Live Thread: Cavs vs. Hornets (#ThrowBackToBack)

Get ready for a double dose of orange and nostalgia, as the Cavs keep the throwback vibe going tonight when they host the Charlotte Hornets at the Q. After rolling over the Heat last night, and Rick Cavsrolling the fans in attendance with their homage to the earwig that is never gonna give you up, the Cavaliers roll right into the second night of a back-to-back. Despite rumors to the contrary that the wine & gold might be resting a few of their starters (including LeBron and Kevin Love), according to Coach Ty Lue, they’ll actually have almost their entire complement back on the floor…

Tonight's starters are a full-go, including @TheRealJRSmith.#DefendTheLand https://t.co/gbK2S7nBg5

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 10, 2016

That includes a return to action from J.R. Smith, who had missed the past three games with a hyperextended knee. The only man they are down is Channing Frye who was excused to attend the funeral of his father.

Although J.R. will be back as the starting two for the team, Lue also made it sound like spot starter, DeAndre Liggins, had done enough to impress to earn a larger role in the rotation. So, expect to still see a decent dose of the defensive-minded swingman.

“If J.R. doesn’t get hurt, we don’t know where Liggs would be right now,” Lue said. “Everything happens for a reason. We see what Liggs can bring to this team defensively. Defensively the last three games we’ve been great. I like what I’ve seen as far as being in the right position, being in the right spots, helping our teammates out, shrinking the floor, and then getting back out with the multiple effort. We’ve been great at doing that these last three games.”

The Hornets come to town winners of their last three, and four of their last five with their only defeat in overtime against the Timberwolves. Both Kemba Walker and Nic Batum are having stellar years thus far offensively, but Charlotte’s calling card this season has really been their gritty defense where they’re giving up just over 100 points per game.

Cavs probable starting lineup: LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Kyrie Irving.

Hornets probable starting lineup: Nicholas Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller.

Prediction: The Cavs keep the good times rolling… 109-101.

Catch all the action starting at 7:30 pm EST on Fox Sports Ohio… and join the discussion here.