Charlotte Hornets at Detroit Pistons Game Preview

The Hornets look to build off their win against New York with a win over Detroit.

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: OUT: Cody Martin (Knee), LaMelo Ball (Ankle)

PISTONS: PROBABLE: Jalen Duren (Ankle), Killian Hayes (Hand), OUT: Alec Burks (Foot), Isaiah Stewart (Hip), Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles), Hamidou Diallo (Ankle), Cade Cunningham (Leg)

GAME PREVIEW:

The Hornets head to Detroit to take on the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference at 7:00 PM EST. The Hornets are coming off a big time win over the New York Knicks, who had a nine-game winning streak prior to the game. Head-to-head this season the Pistons hold the advantage as they've won two out of the three games so far. However, the Hornets will look to tie the season series with a win tonight. 

The Pistons have struggled more than the Hornets this season, which is saying a lot considering how rough the Hornets season has been. The Pistons have won just 15 games in 66 contests thus far. The Pistons have been one of the teams to openly tank this season as they've set their eyes on a top pick in the NBA Draft. An example of the Pistons looking to tank is they plan to sit one of their best players, Bojan Bogdanovic for the rest of the season. Despite the Pistons losing their last nine games, Jaden Ivey has played really well for them. During their nine-game losing streak, Ivey has averaged 17.9 points per game, along with 6.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds. 

KEY MATCHUP: Mark Williams vs Jalen Duren 

Mark Williams and Jalen Duren have yet to truly play against each other in their young careers. Jalen Duren was selected by the Hornets in the 2022 NBA Draft. Shortly after, Duren was shipped off to Detroit in a three-team-trade that involved the New York Knicks. The Hornets would then select Mark Williams with the 15th pick in the draft. At the time Mitch Kupchak and the rest of the organization believed that Mark Williams was the best available center in the draft. In 11 games as starter, Mark Williams is averaging 11.5 points per game, along with 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. In 27 games as starter, Jalen Duren is averaging 10.1 points per game, along with 10.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks. It should be fun to watch as these two centers battle and try to prove themselves to their respective franchises. 

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