Game Preview
The Detroit Pistons (15-18) return home on Friday night to host the struggling Charlotte Hornets (7-25) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Pistons have found their stride lately, winning four of their last five contests and hovering around a 60 percent win rate over the last 10 games. Their recent surge has been fueled by an uptick in scoring, averaging 118 points during this hot stretch while shooting just under 50 percent from the field.
Detroit's offense has been clicking, but their defense has also stepped up, allowing just 116.4 points per game over the last five - a noticeable improvement from their season average. The Pistons have also grabbed nearly 42 rebounds per contest during this span, a shade below their overall season mark but bolstered by almost 27 assists and just over 9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Hornets continue to sputter, losers of eight straight and just 1-9 in their last 10 games. Charlotte's offensive woes have persisted, scoring only 104.3 points per game over this brutal stretch while shooting a paltry 43 percent from the floor. Their outside shooting has been particularly anemic at just 30 percent from three.
While the Hornets have maintained their rebounding average of 47 boards, they've struggled to generate offense, dishing out fewer than 25 assists over the last 10 games. Charlotte's defense has been unable to compensate, surrendering 113.4 points per contest despite nearly 9 steals and 5 blocks per game during this nightmarish skid.
With the Pistons rolling and the Hornets reeling, Detroit should be favored on their home floor. If recent form holds, the Pistons' balanced offensive attack could overwhelm Charlotte's porous defense, potentially extending the Hornets' lengthy losing streak to nine games.