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Cavs' Dellavedova, Mozgov will play vs. Hornets

Sam Sharpe / USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova and center Timofey Mozgov will play Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets, according to the Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd.

Dellavedova, a third-year floor general, has missed only one game this season - a Wednesday loss to the Toronto Raptors.

The Cavs' backcourt roster was depleted even before the 2015-16 campaign began. With Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert having yet to suit up for the team, ball-handling duties have been given to non-LeBron James players such as Mo Williams, Jared Cunningham, and Delly himself.

The 25-year-old Aussie has assisted on 32.4 percent of his teammates' field goals - a helping rate surpassed only by King James (35.3 percent).

Dellavedova is averaging 7.9 points (38.5 percent from downtown), 2.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 0.8 steals.

Mozgov was forced to sit out the Cavs' previous three contests due to a shoulder strain.

Big man Tristan Thompson has filled in admirably for the 29-year-old Russian in the interim. However, the Cavs are currently ranked 25th in the league in blocks and 12th in rebounding and could use a healthy 7-footer such as Mozgov who is capable of logging double digits in rebounds while protecting the rim.

Mozgov will be inserted into the starting lineup Friday, according to Cavaliers Radio play-by-play broadcaster John Michael.

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