NBA · Final

Pistons Edge Hornets in Competitive Showdown

Charlotte Hornets3-2

Detroit Pistons4-1

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena

Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons?

Detroit Pistons beat Charlotte Hornets 97-89 at Little Caesars Arena on October 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons?

Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -290 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested game at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons secured a 97-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, extending their lead in the series to 2-0. This matchup was notable not only for its competitive nature but also for the implications it holds in the early stages of the NBA season. The Pistons, boasting a strong home record of 4-1, have been formidable at home, while the Hornets, with an away record of 3-2, have shown resilience on the road.

Detroit has been in impressive form, winning six consecutive games, and their recent performances have seen them average 120.6 points scored per game while allowing 108.9. In their last five games, they maintained an average of 121.2 points scored and 107.6 points allowed. Their home record reflects this dominance, as they have not lost a game at home this season, going 4-0. The Pistons' last five games include victories over strong teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.

Conversely, the Hornets have also been performing well, winning two straight games before facing the Pistons. They have averaged 110.6 points scored per game and allowed 109.4 points in their last ten games. Their away record stands at 3-1, indicating they can compete effectively outside their home arena. However, their recent form has been less consistent compared to Detroit, as they have averaged only 105.2 points in their last five games.

Historically, the Pistons have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Hornets, winning all three matchups this season. Their previous encounters included a decisive 118-100 victory just a few days prior, which may have set the tone for this matchup. The Pistons' ability to maintain a winning streak against the Hornets adds an extra layer of confidence heading into this game.

In terms of injuries, both teams faced significant challenges. The Pistons were without Isaiah Joe and Jalen Duren, both key players who could have impacted the game. The Hornets also dealt with multiple injuries, missing Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Grant Williams, and Kylan Boswell. The absence of these players likely affected the Hornets' depth and overall performance.

The betting market reflected the Pistons' strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 7.5-point favorites and setting the total at 212.5. This indicates a belief in the Pistons' ability to control the game, especially considering their recent form and home advantage.

The conditions in Little Caesars Arena were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a home crowd. The Pistons' defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success, was on full display, limiting the Hornets' scoring opportunities and forcing them into difficult shots.

As the game unfolded, key moments highlighted the Pistons' ability to execute under pressure. In the fourth quarter, Cade Cunningham made crucial three-pointers that helped extend Detroit's lead, while the Hornets struggled to find their rhythm offensively. The scoring plays included a series of critical shots from both teams, with Cunningham's 25-foot jumper sealing the game for the Pistons.

Overall, this matchup showcased the Pistons' strength at home and their ability to capitalize on their opponents' weaknesses. The Hornets, while competitive, will need to address their injury concerns and find ways to improve their scoring efficiency if they hope to turn the tide in future matchups. With the Pistons now leading the series 2-0, they will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses.

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena promises to be an intriguing contest, as both teams enter the game with identical records of 3-1. This fixture is particularly noteworthy as the Pistons have won their last six home games, showcasing a strong performance at home, while the Hornets are looking to build on their recent successes after winning their last two games.

The Pistons have shown impressive form recently, winning four of their last five games. Their victories include a close 129-125 win against the Toronto Raptors, a solid 121-113 win over the Boston Celtics, a 128-111 triumph against the Miami Heat, and a convincing 106-93 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Their only defeat came against the New York Knicks, where they lost 111-97. Over this stretch, the Pistons averaged 121.2 points scored while allowing 107.6 points per game.

In contrast, the Hornets have also been performing well, with a record of 3-1 in their last four games. They lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 116-98 but bounced back with wins against the Brooklyn Nets (110-103), Miami Heat (115-110), and Washington Wizards (110-103). The Hornets have averaged 105.2 points scored and 108.0 points allowed in their last five games, indicating a more defensive approach compared to the Pistons.

When it comes to home and away performance, the Pistons have a perfect home record of 4-0, while the Hornets have a respectable away record of 3-1. The Pistons' strong home form, combined with their recent winning streak, makes them a formidable opponent for visiting teams. The Hornets will need to find a way to counter this advantage if they hope to secure a win.

Historically, the Pistons have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning all three encounters against the Hornets this season. Their most recent matchup on April 10, 2026, ended with a convincing 118-100 victory for Detroit. Prior to that, they also secured wins on February 10 (110-104) and December 21 (112-86), demonstrating a clear trend in their favor.

In terms of injuries, the Pistons will be missing Isaiah Joe (hip) and Jalen Duren (hamstring), while Ausar Thompson is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. The Hornets face a more significant injury crisis, with Coby White (calf), Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Grant Williams (hamstring), and Kylan Boswell (knee) all ruled out for the game. These absences could heavily impact the Hornets' rotation and overall performance.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has set the Pistons as 7.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -290. The Hornets are listed at +235 on the moneyline. The total points for the game is set at 212.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. These odds reflect the Pistons' strong home performance and recent form.

As for the conditions on the day of the game, both teams will be looking to adapt to the atmosphere of Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons have thrived this season. Fans can expect to see standout performances from key players, including Cade Cunningham for the Pistons, who leads the team with an average of 20.8 points and 8.0 assists per game. For the Hornets, Brandon Miller has been a key contributor, averaging 24.2 points per game.

Overall, this matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets is set to be a competitive game, with both teams eager to continue their winning ways. The Pistons will aim to extend their home winning streak, while the Hornets will look to overcome their injury challenges and find a way to secure a crucial road victory.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DET -7.5	212.5 o -110 / u -110	Charlotte Hornets +235 · Detroit Pistons -290

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Isaiah JoeOutHipDetroit Pistons
Jalen DurenOutHamstringDetroit Pistons
Coby WhiteOutCalfCharlotte Hornets
Kon KnueppelOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
Grant WilliamsOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
Kylan BoswellOutKneeCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsCade Cunningham30Detroit Pistons
AssistsAusar Thompson8Detroit Pistons
ReboundsAusar Thompson9Detroit Pistons
PointsBrandon Miller31Charlotte Hornets
AssistsDennis Schroder5Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsBrandon Miller12Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 9-1Streak W6120.6 scored · 108.9 allowed per game4-0 at home

W106-93at Philadelphia 76ersOct 25
W128-111at Miami HeatOct 24
W121-113vs Boston CelticsOct 20
W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 7-3Streak W2110.6 scored · 109.4 allowed per game3-1 away

W110-103vs Washington WizardsOct 26
W115-110vs Miami HeatOct 24
L81-128vs Atlanta HawksOct 23
W110-103at Brooklyn NetsOct 21
W110-96at New York KnicksApr 12
L100-118vs Detroit PistonsApr 10
L102-113at Boston CelticsApr 8
W122-108at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 5
W129-108vs Indiana PacersApr 3
W127-107vs Phoenix SunsApr 2

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Charlotte	-	2	L1	.600	3
Atlanta	1	3	L3	.400	2
Washington	1	3	L2	.400	2
Orlando	1	2	W1	.333	1
Miami	2	4	W1	.200	1
Detroit	-	1	W1	.800	4
Cleveland	0.5	1	W3	.750	3
Indiana	2	3	L2	.400	2
Chicago	2.5	3	L2	.250	1
Milwaukee	2.5	3	W1	.250	1

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Detroit Pistons
Field goals	31-71	34-76
Field goal %	44	45
Three-pointers	12-35	13-33
Three-point %	34	39
Free throws	15-19	16-20
Free throw %	79	80
Rebounds	45	33
Offensive rebounds	9	7
Defensive rebounds	36	26
Assists	17	26
Steals	7	13
Blocks	5	3
Turnovers	23	13
Team turnovers	2	1
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	21	21
Fast-break points	14	10
Points in the paint	32	36
Fouls	23	24
Largest lead	12	10
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	52	41

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter51-46Javonte Green makes layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter54-46Royce O'Neale makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
3rd Quarter54-48Paul Reed makes 9-foot pullup jump shot (Ausar Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter56-48Brandon Miller makes 7-foot running pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter56-51Paul Reed makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
3rd Quarter56-54Javonte Green makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
3rd Quarter56-57Cade Cunningham makes 24-foot three point jumper (Javonte Green assists)
3rd Quarter56-60Duncan Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter58-60Brandon Miller makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
3rd Quarter58-62Ausar Thompson makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
3rd Quarter58-64Cade Cunningham makes 10-foot two point shot (Ausar Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter61-64Grayson Allen makes 27-foot three point jumper (Christian Anderson assists)
3rd Quarter61-67Duncan Robinson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
3rd Quarter63-67Brandon Miller makes 6-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter63-69Paul Reed makes driving layup (Javonte Green assists)
3rd Quarter63-70Javonte Green makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter63-71Javonte Green makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter65-71Christian Anderson makes 14-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter68-71Sion James makes 23-foot jump bank shot (Ryan Kalkbrenner assists)
3rd Quarter68-74Paul Reed makes 24-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
3rd Quarter69-74Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter70-74Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter70-76Tolu Smith makes two point shot (Daniss Jenkins assists)
4th Quarter70-78Cade Cunningham makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter70-80Cade Cunningham makes 5-foot two point shot
4th Quarter73-80Royce O'Neale makes 25-foot three point jumper (Grayson Allen assists)
4th Quarter75-80Moussa Diabate makes two point shot
4th Quarter75-82Ausar Thompson makes 1-foot dunk (Duncan Robinson assists)
4th Quarter77-82Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
4th Quarter79-82Brandon Miller makes running layup
4th Quarter79-85Daniss Jenkins makes 23-foot running jump shot (Ausar Thompson assists)
4th Quarter79-87Daniss Jenkins makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Kevin Huerter assists)
4th Quarter81-87Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot driving dunk (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter81-89Ausar Thompson makes alley oop layup (Kevin Huerter assists)
4th Quarter83-89Brandon Miller makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter83-91Daniss Jenkins makes 2-foot two point shot
4th Quarter86-91Grayson Allen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brandon Miller assists)
4th Quarter86-94Cade Cunningham makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
4th Quarter89-94Dennis Schroder makes 29-foot three pointer
4th Quarter89-97Cade Cunningham makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)