LeBron James

Cavaliers hope Smith can return to face Hornets (Dec 10, 2016)

Published Dec. 10, 2016 1:14 a.m. ET

The Cavaliers hope to get a little healthier Saturday when they host the Charlotte Hornets. The only question now is what to do with DeAndre Liggins?

The Cavs are hopeful J.R. Smith can return to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a hyperextended left knee. Liggins started in his place and played exceptionally well defensively, which just so happens to be one area of need on a Cavs team that easily loses focus on the defensive end.

Coach Tyronn Lue indicated after Friday's lopsided win against the Miami Heat that Liggins has done enough to remain in the rotation. Where exactly he fits, however, remains a mystery.

"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 Cavs have been searching for a backup point guard all season, and while Liggins isn't a prototypical point guard, Lue is hopeful he can replicate the role Matthew Dellavedova held for the Cavs last season as a tenacious defender and knockdown 3-point shooter off catch-and-shoots. Liggins made 7-of-19 3-pointers during his one season in Oklahoma City and he's 3-of-3 from the 3-point line in Cleveland.

"Setting the tone defensively and that's what I did for the past three games," Liggins said. "I'm going to continue to try to build off that."

Like the Cavs, the Hornets have won their last three games to move five games over .500 for the first time since starting the season 6-1. Nic Batum has shined during the streak, averaging 14.7 points, 13 rebounds and 5.6 assists after signing a five-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets over the summer. The Hornets smashed the Orlando Magic on Friday, 109-88, allowing the starters to rest the fourth quarter before beginning this five-game road swing against the defending champions.

"It's good momentum, obviously," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. "I think any time you go on an extended trip like this, it's good to win the last home game. You want to build as much of a cushion as you can.

"These last two games I feel like we played better. I thought we had good readiness, good energy, and we've started to shoot the ball well again, which obviously is critical for our team."

Channing Frye remains away from the Cavs to attend his father's funeral and will not play against the Hornets. LeBron James played 37 minutes in Friday's win against the Heat, but is still expected to play on the Cavs' unique home-and-home, back-to-back.