Wednesday’s NBA action features several contenders in action – and a ton of road favorites – including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks

The Charlotte Hornets are still only 11-28 and destined for the lottery, but there are a few positive signs. The Hornets won their third game in a row and fourth in past five tries Monday over the Dallas Mavericks,

Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving eclipsed a career milestone in Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves when he scored the 18,000th point of his sterling NBA career.

Dallas Mavericks point guard showered LaMelo Ball with praise after the Charlotte Hornets beat the Mavericks 110-105.

The Dallas Mavericks had an early tip to start Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Charlotte Hornets, entering the game wildly short-handed. Dallas was without Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Quentin Grimes, Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, and Jaden Hardy, while Charlotte was missing Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a riveting victory over the Dallas Mavericks, 110-105.

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving gave his honest thoughts about the trade with the Nets that brought him to Dallas.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-105.

The Dallas Mavericks face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, the first of two meetings between the teams. Dallas, which dominated the series last season, hopes to maintain its dominance over the LaMelo Ball-led team. The Mavericks look to sustain the form that allowed them to beat the OKC Thunder 106-98 on Sunday, despite missing key players.

The Grizzlies had three players (Jaren Jackson, Desmond Bane, and Luke Kennard) go for over 20 points and Kennard hit seven three-pointers. Ja Morant played the role of facilitator with 16 points (5-9 FG) and 13 assists to fall one dime shy of a season high. He was also active on the defensive end of the floor.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 123-114 home win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.