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Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets Preview

By Ryan Love

Nov 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward center Jon Leuer (30) drives to the basket and scores defended by Charlotte Hornets forward center Spencer Hawes (00) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward center Jon Leuer (30) drives to the basket and scores defended by Charlotte Hornets forward center Spencer Hawes (00) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons (12-11) make a quick return to Charlotte to take on the Hornets (12-9) Wednesday night.

The Detroit Pistons (12-11) come back to Charlotte Wednesday night to do battle with the Charlotte Hornets (12-9). This return to Charlotte could be a welcome feeling for the Pistons as they began their current 4-1 stretch against the Hornets early last week.

The Pistons are coming off of a quality victory against the Chicago Bulls (11-10) last night. After allowing the Bulls to overcome a 17 point deficit, the Pistons defense stepped up in the second half to secure a 102-91 victory. Tobias Harris led all Pistons with 22 points on a night that eight other Pistons also made it on the scoresheet.

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Point guard Reggie Jackson will play tonight despite the Pistons coming off of one day’s rest. Head coach Stan Van Gundy may be trying to be careful with Jackson’s playing time as he works his way back into shape, so he has had limited minutes thus far. Jackson tallied seven points, seven assists, and three rebounds in 18 minutes against the Bulls.

Jackson’s availability will obviously affect the time Ish Smith sees the floor. However, the Pistons should not skip a beat as Smith has been superb in both the starter and backup roles.

Smith led the Pistons bench to a total 33 points in their win over the Bulls. He praised the bench’s play in his postgame interview, and rightfully so:

The Hornets are coming off of a 109-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Their bench had a solid night of their own, scoring 47 points in Dallas.

There are matchups to watch on both ends of the floor, but the Pistons guards will need to once again contain Hornets point guard Kemba Walker. This is where Jackson’s availability will come into play as the Pistons will need to find the right defense for Walker.

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Andre Drummond will get a chance to redeem himself in Charlotte after being ejected very early last time around. Drummond’s ejection was for throwing an elbow toward the back of Hornets center Roy Hibbert‘s head. His play against Hibbert, as well as starting center Cody Zeller will be key in case the Pistons wings struggle shooting the ball.

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