A long way from Nov. 3: The Cavaliers spent the past few days talking about how different they are than the discombobulated and nearly-broken group that left Charlotte embarrassed less than two weeks ago, writes cleveland.com's Chris Fedor. Turns out, they were right. The Cavs clobbered the Hornets on Tuesday night 113-89. That's a long way from their 32-point defeat on Nov. 3. Read more.

Nwaba makes case: David Nwaba was forced to patiently wait his turn. That's nothing new. It's the story of his improbable career, writes Fedor. Former head coach Tyronn Lue didn't use him, giving Nwaba 20 total minutes in the first six games. The switch to Larry Drew surprisingly didn't do much for Nwaba either. But the NBA is often about taking advantage of opportunities, staying ready until that happens. While it took a handful of injuries, Nwaba has finally gotten his chance, the one he thought he signed up for when bypassing an offer from Indiana to join Cleveland. Read more.

Wizards preview: The Cavaliers (2-11) will play the second game of a back-to-back when they travel to take on the Washington Wizards (4-9). Check out broadcast and pregame info. Read more.

Gilbert selling hotel: Dan Gilbert’s JACK Entertainment gambling business announced Wednesday that that it has agreed to sell its Detroit Greektown Casino-Hotel for $1 billion in cash, writes cleveland.com's Rich Exner. Penn National Gaming, which operates Hollywood branded casinos in Toledo and Columbus, will pay $300 million to run Greektown, JACK Entertainment announced. A real estate investment trust tied to Caesars Entertainment, VICI Properties, will pay $700 million for the real estate. Read more.

National stories
Reasons to tank: Despite the odds being flattened for a top pick, SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell writes about why tanking is still a prudent move. Read more.

Everything to know about the Jimmy Butler trade: The Ringer has compiled a breakdown from all angles on the Philadelphia 76ers acquisition of Jimmy Butler, what it means for Butler, the Sixers, Minnesota and the East. Read more.
 

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Today's birthdays: Jack Sikma (1955), Lionel Simmons (1968), David Wesley (1970)