Can the Pistons finally be the Hornets, please?
If the ball had bounced a little differently, or if the Pistons played a bit smarter against the Charlotte Hornets, the Pistons could be above .500. The Pistons have played the Hornets twice this season, losing by one (108-107) and by two (123-121) in overtime. In the first game, the Pistons were winning but gave up an offensive rebound and a buzzer-beating shot to Brandon Miller. In game two, the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter to force overtime but couldn’t contain Brandon Miller, who scored 8 of his team’s 14 in OT and had a game-high 38 points. Hey, if I’m the Pistons, maybe I consider building my game plan around Brandon Miller and making somebody else beat us.
This is also the first game the Pistons will play knowing they need a long-term replacement for Jaden Ivey, who is out for an extended period after breaking his fibula against the Magic. Will the Pistons turn to the offensive firepower of Malik Beasley, as they have in the past when Ivey has missed games, or will they allow a young defensive player like Ausar Thompson or Ron Holland Jr. fill the role?
Game Vitals
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
When: 7 p.m. ET
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -5.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons
(15-18)
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Charlotte Hornets (7-25)
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Green, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams