Key test for Pistons, Cade Cunningham vs. Hornets: Injury report and how to watch

The Detroit Pistons will carry a modest 2-game winning streak into tonight’s road matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. 

Well, it would be modest for most teams, but for the Pistons, even winning two in a row is something to celebrate, as it hasn’t happened many times over the last five years. 

The Pistons haven’t won three in a row since April of 2022. 

But more importantly, they have a chance to pass a key test against the Hornets. 

Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets 

The Pistons and Hornets have mostly occupied the same territory at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Over the last five seasons combined, the Pistons have the worst record in the NBA and the Hornets the 5th worst. 

Both have long been trying to sell their fanbases on hope and build around a young core led by a talented guard. 

If the Pistons really want to be competitive for anything this season, this is the type of team they have to beat. A win here would be the first step towards moving away from the Hornets and Wizards of the world and towards the teams at the other side of the standings. 

Cade Cunningham vs. LaMelo Ball 

Ball has gotten more props and accolades than Cade Cunningham since joining the league, even making an All-Star appearance even though their numbers are similar and both have been on losing teams. 

Ball has only played 191 games in 4+ seasons, so he’s been injured even more than Cade, but that didn’t stop ESPN from ranking him well above Cade in their rage-bait preseason player rankings. 

Both players have been putting up big numbers again this season, so if Cade wants to show he’s as good or better than Ball, it starts by winning this game. The two have only gone head-to-head four times, a testament to how often they’ve been out, and have split the games. 

These are very similar teams in similar positions of their rebuild. For the Pistons and Cade Cunningham to turn this franchise around, they first have to vanquish their peers and lessers, so tonight will be a great test. 

Pistons injuries vs. Hornets 

The Pistons will still be without Ausar Thompson and Bobi Klintman and the Hornets will be missing Mark Williams, with Caleb Martin listed as probable. 

With Williams out, Nick Richards has stepped up for the Hornets, averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, so it will be key for Duren and Beef Stew to keep him off the glass. 

Tre Mann will also be a player to watch, as he’s been averaging nearly 18 per game for Charlotte this year while hitting 44 percent of his shots from long range. Jaden Ivey is not only going to have to stay in front of him, but make him work on the other end. 

How to watch Pistons vs. Hornets 

The game in Charlotte will tip off at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or listen on 950 AM. 

You can see all of your streaming options here. 

Winning three in a row would be a huge deal for a team that hasn’t done it in well over two years, so even though it is still very early in the season, this would be a statement game for the Pistons.