Pistons vs. Hornets prediction: NBA best bet, odds, props for Thursday

You might have to rub your eyes: Pistons vs. Hornets is must-see television on Monday’s NBA slate. 

Charlotte may still be outside a playoff spot, but it begins a four-game home stand playing its best basketball of the decade. The Hornets seek a franchise-record 10th consecutive win, an opportunity they haven’t had since 1999. 

The Pistons are humming to their best campaign in 20 years, having tied their own franchise win streak record of 13 games earlier in the season. They lead the East by five games and are tied with the Spurs for FanDuel’s third-best odds to win the NBA Finals at 14/1.  

Charlotte’s recent surge has influenced oddsmakers to a 2.5-point spread favoring the Pistons despite them having dominated the Hornets 118-86 in their first meeting on Dec. 20.

So whats gives? 

Detroit has seemingly resurrected its “Bad Boys” persona from the early 90s, adapting intense defense and grit. They emphasize paint scoring, ranking second overall with 56.9 points per game in the paint.

Even though their physicality is sending players to the line more often, it wears teams down over the course of four quarters, creating turnovers and rushed shots. Detroit leads the NBA in steals with 10.6 per game.

Cade Cunningham’s elite IQ is making for sensational playmaking that turns traps and doubles into efficient offense for Detroit. He sank 22 in the previous matchup and is averaging 25.1 points per game.

The Hornets’ success has been fueled by dominance off the glass. They also went 16-for-16 at the free-throw line in Saturday’s 126-119 win over Atlanta. 

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Still, if Jalen Duren is active, Detroit’s big men could cause serious disruptions for Charlotte’s highest-percentage shooter in Miles Bridges inside and knock off their rebounding rhythm. 

The Pistons pressure ball handlers out of moving the ball more freely. They are the No. 1 team in opponent assists allowed, so threats like Kon Knueppel from beyond the arc could be neutralized from catch-and-shoot looks.

Detroit is 17-11 ATS as away favorites in contrast to Charlotte’s 6-11 home ‘dog record. I’m laying the points for the Pistons to end the Hornets’ party.

The Play: Pistons -2.5 (-115, bet365)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.