*8* SURE SHOT on Charlotte Hornets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had won five consecutive games prior to a 96-88 home loss to the Pistons Monday. I think they're in for another tough game Wednesday night when the surging Charlotte Hornets are coming to Quicken Loans Arena looking to defend a five-game winning streak of their own.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The Cavs are just 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss and they're 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight Wednesday night games.

2. Recent Meetings - The teams have split two meetings this season as the Hornets lost by just five points in Cleveland on Nov. 27 and impressed in a 106-97 home win on Feb. 3. The Hornets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in the series.

3. X-Factor - Charlotte's center Al Jefferson missed the last 23 games leading up to the All Star break following knee surgery, but he's back in the team now and scored 18 points while shooting 9-of-13 from the field in Sunday's 104-96 win at Brooklyn.

Selection: This is a play on the Charlotte Hornets (8*)