Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets 2019-20 season preview and predictions

Charlotte’s defense against Detroit

On paper, Detroit should be able to dominate Charlotte in nearly every facet of the game, but this is probably true of just about every team in the league.

The frontcourt of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond will have their way against Cody Zeller (or the aforementioned Washington) and, Willy Hernangomez, neither of whom do much to protect the rim. Washington projects as an above-average defender but guarding Griffin is a massive leap for a rookie. This is one of the teams that Detroit should be able to push around in the paint by just giving the ball to Griffin and letting him do his thing. There is no one to stop Drummond from grabbing offensive rebounds, so he should be able to put up solid numbers on that end of the floor.

The backcourt situation is more of the same, as the trio of Rozier, Malik Monk and Batum isn’t exactly the Bad Boys when it comes to defense. The Detroit guards and wings should be able to get dribble penetration against this group, run pick-and-roll and generally do whatever they want against this hapless Charlotte team.

Charlotte’s best defender is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who will likely be negated if he’s on Tony Snell, as Snell will just be lingering around the 3-point line waiting for kick outs. There is no reason to believe that the Detroit offense can’t dominate Charlotte’s defense. This is a team Detroit should handle, and if they don’t, it is a sign that some tragedy has befallen the Pistons.