Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Prediction and Preview - Dec. 20 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Charlotte Hornets and the Detroit Pistons will face each other at the Little Caesars Arena in Michigan on Saturday. The matchup marks their first meeting of the season, with both teams arriving on the back of very different outcomes in their most recent games.

The Pistons suffered a 116-114 OT loss to the Dallas Mavericks on the road, while the Hornets secured a 133-126 win over the Atlanta Hawks at home.

The victory lifted Charlotte to a 9–18 record and 12th place in the standings. Detroit, meanwhile, held on to the top spot despite the defeat, though its lead at the summit was trimmed to two games.

Despite carrying positive momentum, the Hornets will be cautious heading into the road matchup, having struggled away from home with a 3–10 record this season. In contrast, the Pistons have been dominant on their own floor, posting an impressive 11–2 home record.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Hornets +340, Pistons -440

Spread: Hornets +10.5 (-102), Pistons -10.5 (-102)

Total over/under (o/u): Hornets o233.5 (-110), Pistons u233.5 (-110)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons preview

The Charlotte Hornets come into the matchup on a two-game winning streak and have picked up three victories in their last five outings. That total matches the number of wins they managed across their previous 15 games before this recent upturn in form.

Charlotte’s recent upswing has been fueled by improved scoring, as they have averaged 126.0 points over their last two games. Still, their offense ranks just 18th league-wide at 115.5 points per game. Meanwhile, defensive issues persist, with the Hornets allowing 118.7 points per game, the 24th-worst mark in the NBA.

Miles Bridges has been the Hornets' best performer this season, averaging 21.1 ppg. Rookie Kon Knueppel has been the next best contributor, recording 19.4 ppg, and he has led the team in scoring in their last three games.

On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons will look to return to the win column on Saturday after seeing their four-game winning streak snapped by the Mavericks. While Detroit has set the pace in the East, its momentum has dipped slightly in recent weeks.

Detroit’s offense has cooled, though it still averages 119.1 points per game, 10th in the league. Their defense has been more consistent, giving up 113.1 points per game, the seventh-best mark overall.

Cade Cunningham continues to be their best performer, averaging 27.2 ppg ad 9.2 apg. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren has been consistent on both ends, recording 18.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg.

On the injury front, the Hornets are set to miss Tre Mann, Pat Connaughton, Collin Sexton, and Grant Williams. The Pistons, meanwhile, could be without Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson.

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons predicted starting fives

Charlotte Hornets predicted starting five

PG- LaMelo Ball, SG- Kon Knuppel, SF- Brandon Miller, PF- Miles Bridges, C- Ryan Kalkbrenner

Detroit Pistons predicted starting five

PG- Cade Cunningham, SG- Jaden Ivey, SF- Ausar Thompson, PF- Tobias Harris, C- Jalen Duren

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons betting tips

Kon Knuppel is projected to score over 17.5 points following his 28 points against Atlanta. He is averaging 19.3 ppg.

Cade Cunningham is expected to score over 28.5 points. He is averaging 27.2 ppg this season.

Jalen Duren is projected to collect over 10.5 rebounds. He is averaging 11.0 rpg.

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons predictions

The Detroit Pistons are -10.5 favorites against the spread due to their impeccable 11-2 home record. While the Hornets hold the momentum, the Pistons have been the better team this season and should earn an easy win.

Prediction: Pistons to win by 7 points or less

Edited by Arian Kashyap