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Keys to the game: Detroit Pistons versus Charlotte Hornets

By Martin Mansour

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 15: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket in front of Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets during the an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 15, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets defeated the Pistons 118 -107. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 15: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket in front of Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets during the an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 15, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets defeated the Pistons 118 -107. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons are set to take on the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena in front of the 2004 Goin’ To Work Pistons squad.

This is a must win game for the Detroit Pistons. They are half a game ahead of the Miami Heat, who play Toronto in an early Sunday tipoff.

They could create some breathing room with a win tonight. The team’s competing with the Pistons also play tonight.

The Brooklyn Nets take on the Indiana Pacers. And the Orlando Magic take on the Boston Celtics.

Detroit Pistons need Luke Kennard to snap out of funk. light. Related Story

These are huge games that could decide the Pistons fate. The Nets winning tonight could benefit the Pistons in the long run.

So the Pistons could eliminate the Hornets with a win tonight. They are also going to need favors from Brooklyn and Toronto to clinch a spot tonight.

Three keys to the game.

  1. Impress the 2004 Goin’ To Work squad. The 2004 team gave Pistons fans plenty of entertainment throughout the years. They ended up winning Detroit their first NBA championship since 1990. And overall went to back to back finals in 2004 and 2005. They did it with their excellent defense.  Being one of the top defensive teams in the league night after night. I’m sure the 2004 squad would shed tears of joy if they see some great defense played tonight.
  2. Let Blake Griffin go to work. Griffin had 45 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in his return for the Pistons. He was the only source of Pistons offense in their loss. He was virtually unstoppable and will likely be again with the announcement that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams are officially out for tonight’s game. The Hornets are going to be forced to double-team Griffin or let him dominate.
  3. Pistons bench gives the team the night off. The Hornets still have a chance at a playoff push. But the Pistons bench needs to set the tone early and give the starters a night off. Ish Smith, Luke Kennard, and Langston Galloway have to come out ready and rolling to get this must win game.

Next. Has Glenn Robinson III earned back his rotation spot for the Detroit Pistons?. dark

Tipoff starts at 4PM Eastern Standard Time.

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