Pistons Dominate Hornets in Convincing Win
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 112, Charlotte Hornets 86, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat Charlotte Hornets 112-86 at Little Caesars Arena on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
The Detroit Pistons delivered a commanding performance against the Charlotte Hornets, finishing the game with a score of 112 to 86. This victory at Little Caesars Arena extends the Pistons' lead in the season series to 2-0 against the Hornets. The Pistons, boasting a strong home record of 22-6, showcased their offensive prowess while limiting the Hornets to just 86 points, reflecting a solid defensive effort.
In their last ten games, the Pistons have recorded a 6-4 record, although they entered this match on a one-game losing streak after falling to the Dallas Mavericks 114-116 on December 19. Despite this setback, the Pistons have averaged 118.3 points scored and allowed 113.9 points over their last ten games, indicating their ability to both score and defend effectively. At home, they have been particularly strong, with a record of 4-1 in their last five games and an average of 122.8 points scored, while allowing 112.8 points.
The Hornets, on the other hand, have struggled this season with a 9-19 record overall. However, they have shown signs of improvement recently, winning their last two games, including a 133-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on December 19. In their last ten games, the Hornets have a record of 5-5, averaging 114.4 points scored and 115.8 points allowed. Their recent form includes a 3-3 record at home and a 2-2 record away, suggesting some inconsistency in performance.
Historically, the Pistons have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Hornets, winning both encounters this season. In their previous matchups, the Pistons secured victories with scores of 112-102 and 98-94, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively against Charlotte.
In terms of injuries, the Hornets are dealing with the day-to-day statuses of Brandon Miller (shoulder) and PJ Hall (ankle). Their availability could impact the Hornets' depth and performance as they continue to navigate the season.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 234.5 points. The moneyline reflected a significant difference, with the Pistons at -500 and the Hornets at 380, indicating a strong belief in a Pistons victory.
Conditions in the arena were favorable for basketball, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere as fans witnessed the Pistons' dominance. Key moments in the game included Cade Cunningham's impressive dunk and several layups from both teams, showcasing the offensive capabilities of the players involved.
Overall, this game highlighted the Pistons' strengths as they look to solidify their position in the league, while the Hornets will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -10.5 | 234.5 o -112 / u -108 | Charlotte Hornets +380 · Detroit Pistons -500 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
Leaders
- PointsCade Cunningham22Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren11Detroit Pistons
- PointsKon Knueppel19Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsLaMelo Ball6Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsKon Knueppel7Charlotte Hornets
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1118.3 scored · 113.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L114-116at Dallas MavericksDec 19
- W112-105at Boston CelticsDec 16
- W142-115vs Atlanta HawksDec 13
- W124-112vs Milwaukee BucksDec 7
- W122-116vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 6
- L109-113at Milwaukee BucksDec 4
- W99-98vs Atlanta HawksDec 2
- W138-135at Miami HeatNov 30
- L109-112vs Orlando MagicNov 29
- L114-117at Boston CelticsNov 26
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2114.4 scored · 115.8 allowed per game2-2 away
- W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
- W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14
- L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13
- L106-115vs Denver NuggetsDec 7
- W111-86at Toronto RaptorsDec 6
- L104-119at New York KnicksDec 4
- L103-116at Brooklyn NetsDec 2
- W118-111vs Toronto RaptorsNov 29
- W123-116vs Chicago BullsNov 29
- L101-129vs New York KnicksNov 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Charlotte Hornets | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-89 | 41-93 |
| Field goal % | 31 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 13-41 | 6-28 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 21 |
| Free throws | 17-20 | 24-32 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 61 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 44 |
| Assists | 21 | 23 |
| Steals | 12 | 16 |
| Blocks | 7 | 10 |
| Turnovers | 23 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 24 | 29 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 66 |
| Fouls | 23 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 29 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 15 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter55-74Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-74Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-76Jaden Ivey makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Duncan Robinson assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-76Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-76Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-76Kon Knueppel makes 24-foot three pointer (Tre Mann assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-77Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-77Miles Bridges makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-79Jalen Duren makes 1-foot dunk (Jaden Ivey assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-79Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-79Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-79Tidjane Salaun makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Josh Green assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-79Tidjane Salaun makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter70-79Brandon Miller makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter71-79Brandon Miller makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter72-79Brandon Miller makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter75-79Sion James makes 27-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter75-81Ronald Holland II makes driving layup (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter77-81Brandon Miller makes running layup
- 4th Quarter77-83Cade Cunningham makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter77-85Jalen Duren makes 1-foot dunk (Ronald Holland II assists)
- 4th Quarter77-86Ronald Holland II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-87Ronald Holland II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-89Duncan Robinson makes running dunk
- 4th Quarter77-91Jalen Duren makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter77-93Jalen Duren makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter77-94Ronald Holland II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-94Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 1-foot dunk (Kon Knueppel assists)
- 4th Quarter79-96Tobias Harris makes driving layup (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter79-98Ausar Thompson makes running layup (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter79-100Ronald Holland II makes running dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter79-102Tobias Harris makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter79-104Cade Cunningham makes 1-foot dunk (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter81-104Tidjane Salaun makes running layup
- 4th Quarter81-106Tobias Harris makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter81-108Ausar Thompson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter81-110Javonte Green makes running layup
- 4th Quarter83-110Sion James makes running layup
- 4th Quarter83-112Ronald Holland II makes 1-foot running dunk (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter86-112Tidjane Salaun makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tre Mann assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Charlotte Hornets.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance20062
- OfficialsJames Capers, Gediminas Petraitis, JD Ralls
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