The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.

The Hornets (7-6) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as they're one of the surprises of the NBA. What's really intriguing about this team is their new-look offense, with Charlotte ranking fifth in scoring. That looks even better when you consider that this defense sits 11th in points allowed, as there aren't many teams who sit top-11 in both of those categories. Much of the offensive success has to be credited to Kemba Walker, as he's averaging 27.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Those are easily the best numbers of his career, as he's really taken the reigns on this team. They need more from their role players though, with players like Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams struggling. In fact, no other player on this team is averaging more than 12 points per game and that's simply not good enough to compete with some of the elite in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers (1-11) are easily the worst team in the NBA, as they have just one win in 12 games. It's not like that win was too impressive either, as that victory came against an Atlanta Hawks team who is right there with the Cavs. It's easy to see why this team is struggling so badly, as they have none of the players who carried them the last few years. LeBron James is in Los Angeles, Kyrie Irving is in Boston and Kevin Love (foot) is on the sideline. That's about 80 percent of the team's production across the last five years, as it's a mishmash of random players that are making up this roster. The only bit of good news with that is the fact that young players have been asked to take on much bigger roles, with Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton all seeing expanded roles. That's the core for the future but it's a wonder if that's good enough to compete in this new landscape of the NBA.

Charlotte dominated Cleveland in their one meeting earlier this season, 126-94, on November 3. Prior to that, the Cavaliers beat the Hornets in nine-straight games, albeit all nine games being with LeBron James on the roster.