Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets game thread, preview, DFS tips and discussion

The Detroit Pistons close their preseason schedule with a second game of a back-to-back at the Charlotte Hornets. Here’s a preview, DFS tips and discussion.

The Detroit Pistons (2-2) close their preseason schedule with a visit to the Charlotte Hornets (1-3) on Wednesday. Detroit is coming off a 106-86 loss in Philadelphia the previous night, an odd back-to-back in a league that is trying to help players rest and recover.

Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports Detroit
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Streams: FUBO.TV or Fox Sports Go
Last time out: Pistons lost to Philadelphia 106-86. Charlotte won Monday in Memphis 120-99.
Over/under: 217.5, according to Action Network
Lines: Hornets -2 (as of 12 p.m. ET) but opened at -1.5 Hornets, according to Action Network.

Social poll

Before each game the @PistonPowered Twitter account will share a poll based off a pressing issue, hot topic or buzzing trend. Wednesday’s is based off of many season predictions, particularly The Athletic’s John Hollinger predicting the Pistons to win 34 games.

The initial over/under for the season was 37.5 and that seemed low for a team that won 41 games last season, made the playoffs and improved.

What to expect

It’s possible that Blake Griffin sits out of Wednesday’s contest due to hamstring soreness after he didn’t make the trip to Philadelphia with the team. Markieff Morris sat out Tuesday battling an illness and is questionable against the Hornets. Andre Drummond also sat out but may return on the second game of a back-to-back.

It could be extended minutes for younger players or those in final training camp battles, such as Thon Maker, Christian Wood, Langston Galloway, Khyri Thomas, Joe Johnson and others.

DFS tips

For some reason the Pistons-Hornets game is not included on the main slate of NBA action on DraftKings. However, it is the featured showdown slate on DraftKings and is on FanDuel’s main slate.

The injury report 90 minutes before the game are going to be helpful in determining value. Charlotte has already ruled out Nicolas Batum (right Achilles soreness), downgraded Marvin Williams (illness) to doubtful and upgraded Cody Martin (right ankle) to probable.

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With Batum out, look for former Michigan State Spartan Miles Bridges ($5,200 on FanDuel) and Caleb Martin ($3,500) to get a bump in minutes. Malik Monk ($3,500) could also be in line for a minutes increase. If Williams indeed is out, that gives more minutes for P.J. Washington ($4,400), Willy Hernangomez ($4,200) and Bismack Biyombo ($3,600).

Griffin has not been ruled out of Wednesday’s game yet, which could determine whether or not Wood is worth a look ($5,900). Pistons value plays could include Derrick Rose ($3,500) and Tony Snell ($3,500). Luke Kennard ($5,000) is an intriguing option at his price.

Looking at the DraftKings showdown slate, the captain has to be a player that’s going to capitalize on someone sitting out. That could be Bridges or Martin from Charlotte since Washington could be facing Griffin. If Griffin rests, that opens the door for Wood.

Sound off

Join us in the comments section and on Twitter for a lively discussion about the final preseason game between the bottom-feeders of the East and the Pistons.