Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 3, 2025

The Detroit Pistons host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. The Pistons seek their first win in their four-game season series after suffering two last-second early season road losses to the floundering franchise.

Coming off Wednesday's 105-96 home victory over the Orlando Magic, Detroit (15-18) has won four of its last five games. However, the young squad sustained a substantial blow against Orlando. Its second-leading scorer, guard Jaden Ivey (17.6 points per game), suffered a broken left fibula, undergoing surgery the following day.

Conversely, Charlotte (7-25) has been among the NBA's least competitive teams all season. The banged-up squad is on an Eastern Conference-worst eight-game losing streak and has gone just 1-16 since Nov. 23.

Nevertheless, the Hornets boast a 2-0 season series edge over the Pistons. They won their first two home matchups on Nov. 6 (108-107) and Nov. 21 (123-121) by a combined three points.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons odds, preview and prediction

The Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons' clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Friday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

The game will be broadcast on FDSDET and FDSSE. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

Moneyline: Hornets (+205) vs Pistons (-250)

Spread: Hornets +6.0 (-105) vs Pistons -6.0 (-115)

Total (Over/Under): o216.5 (-110) vs u216.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons preview

Charlotte could receive reinforcements on Friday. Star point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle/wrist) and standout sophomore wing Brandon Miller (ankle) are considered questionable. Ball has missed the last two games of the Hornets' eight-game skid, while Miller has been sidelined for five of the last six.

Ball leads Charlotte in points (30.1), assists (7.4) and 3-pointers per game (4.5), while Miller is the squad's second-leading scorer (21.4 ppg). So, the Hornets' 28th-ranked offensive rating (107.2) would likely strongly benefit from their returns.

If Ball and Miller remain sidelined, forward Miles Bridges will again be tasked with carrying a heavier offensive burden. Meanwhile, veteran point guard Vasilije Micic will take on an increased playmaking role.

The Hornets have climbed to 18th in defensive rating (113.8). Nevertheless, they remain a below-average team on both ends.

As for Detroit, rising star guard Cade Cunningham's team-best offensive production (23.8 ppg and 9.7 apg) should be of heightened importance with Ivey out. Veteran wings Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. will also likely need to step up in the third-year guard's absence.

The Pistons rank 19th in offensive rating (111.4) and 20th in defensive rating (114.0). However, they have proven to be a feisty opponent, outperforming expectations.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons projected starting lineups

With Ball and Miller's statuses uncertain, Charlotte's starting lineup could be as follows:

PG: LaMelo Ball (GTD)/Vasilije Micic SG: Brandon Miller (GTD)/Seth Curry SF: Josh Green PF: Miles Bridges C: Mark Williams

Meanwhile, Detroit could trot out the following starting five with Ivey sidelined:

PG: Cade Cunningham SG: Tim Hardaway Jr. SF: Ausar Thompson PF: Tobias Harris C: Jalen Duren

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons betting tips

Cunningham's points prop is 26.5. The fourth-year guard has tallied 20 or fewer points in three of his last four games and is averaging 23.5 ppg through two outings against Charlotte. So, he could come up short of hitting the over despite Ivey being out.

Meanwhile, Duren's rebounds prop is 9.5. The third-year center has tallied double-figure rebounds in three of his last five contests. Thus, he appears likely to hit the over.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons prediction

Charlotte has had Detroit's number this season. However, given the Hornets' 1-16 record since their last matchup, and Ball and Miller's uncertain statuses, the Pistons should secure a home victory. If Charlotte remains shorthanded, Detroit should also be able to cover the spread (-6.0).

Additionally, the lackluster defensive teams should surpass their over/under point total (216.5). The Pistons and their opponents have exceeded that figure in six of their last seven contests. Meanwhile, the Hornets and their opponents have done so in two of their last three.

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