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Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview

By Justin Brouckaert

Jan 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) looks to his bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) looks to his bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a long All-Star break and a rumor-filled trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons (27-30) kick off the season’s stretch run by hosting the Charlotte Hornets (24-32).

Well, that was fun.

After reportedly entertaining offers for franchise cornerstones Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson, Stan Van Gundy and crew decided to stand pat at the trade deadline. Who knows what will happen this offseason. Right now, it’s time to play basketball.

Last time the Pistons met the Hornets, on Jan. 5, Charlotte was 20-17. Since then, they’ve gone just 4-15 and have fallen to eleventh in the eastern conference. The Pistons, meanwhile, won four of their final games before the All-Star break to climb into the No. 8 spot in the east.

Detroit leads the season series with Charlotte, 2-1. They won a Nov. 29 game in which Andre Drummond was ejected and the Hornets were playing their fourth game in five games. On Dec. 7, the Pistons lost a 87-77 brick-fest. On Jan. 5, the first game in the series for Reggie Jackson, the Pistons outlasted the Hornets after a Marco Belinelli 3-pointer failed to beat the buzzer.

Kemba Walker has torched the Pistons for 26.6 points per game this season. Detroit’s backcourt will have their hands full trying to contain him.

The Hornets have lost the rebounding battle against Detroit in all three games this season, and they’ll likely be shorthanded on their front line without Cody Zeller (doubtful, quad soreness) and Miles Plumlee (out, calf strain). The team has suffered on both ends of the court without Zeller, going 2-15 in his absence this season.

Pistons fans have to be hoping that the All-Star break gave Reggie Jackson a chance to get healthier. Though he’s had his moments, he’s largely lacked explosiveness since his return from injury.

Both Jackson and Drummond have been professional in the face of trade rumors. Time will tell whether they’ll be affected one way or another by Van Gundy and Jeff Bower’s willingness to field trade offers.

Aaron Bayes missed shootaround due to an illness this morning. He’s questionable for tonight’s games.

Ramon Sessions (knee surery) is also out for the Hornets.

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