Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions for Wednesday October 28 2026
Charlotte has won three of its first four games, and I know that sounds pretty good. But did you see what Atlanta did to the Hornets last Friday? Beat them by 47. That’s the game I keep thinking about with Detroit coming up. The Pistons have been playing some pretty good basketball, especially on defense, and Charlotte hasn’t exactly been taking care of the ball. Give Detroit that many extra possessions and things can get away from you in a hurry.
The Hornets visit the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, October 28. Tipoff is 7:00 PM ET. Detroit is also playing New York on Tuesday night, so the Pistons will be on the second half of a back-to-back. That’s the one scheduling advantage I’d give Charlotte. My side is Detroit on the moneyline, with a preference for Under 225.5 if that total is available. With the NBA season picking up traction it is time to find the winning path with our free NBA picks.
Charlotte Hornets Have Some Problems Behind That Winning Record
Charlotte is 3-1, with a 1-0 road record. The Hornets got embarrassed 128-81 by Atlanta, but they’ve bounced back with wins over Miami and Washington. Monday’s 110-103 victory against the Wizards was a much better effort. They didn’t need a huge scoring night to get the job done. Still, that Atlanta loss showed how quickly things can unravel when Charlotte starts turning the ball over and giving up easy baskets.
The Hornets are scoring 104 points per game and allowing 111. They’re shooting around 40% from the field, which isn’t going to scare anybody. They do rebound pretty well, but their ball movement has been ordinary, with only 21.5 assists per game. Detroit is a tough opponent for a team that sometimes struggles to create clean shots. If Charlotte has to work late into the shot clock on every possession, I don’t see the Hornets putting up a big number.
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Brandon Miller has been carrying a good share of the offense, averaging 24.2 points. Moussa Diabaté is giving Charlotte 9.5 rebounds per game, and Dennis Schröder leads the team with 4.5 assists. The injuries are a concern. Kon Knueppel is out with a hamstring problem, Coby White is dealing with a calf injury, and Grant Williams is sidelined with a hamstring injury. That’s a lot of help missing from a team that already has trouble scoring consistently.
Detroit Pistons Are Getting the Job Done on Both Ends
Detroit is 3-0 heading into Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, including a win in its only home appearance. The Pistons beat Miami 128-111 and then went into Philadelphia and won 106-93. That Philadelphia game is the one I liked. Detroit didn’t need to score 125 to win. It defended, controlled the glass and made the 76ers work for their points. That’s the kind of basketball that travels well, and it should work at home against Charlotte too.
The Pistons are averaging 118.3 points while allowing 105.7. They’re also grabbing 52 rebounds per game and handing out nearly 29 assists. That’s a nice combination. They’re not just standing around watching one guy shoot. The ball moves, they get second chances, and they’ve been much better defensively than Charlotte. Detroit is shooting close to 47% from the floor compared with Charlotte’s 40%. That’s a pretty big gap even allowing for the small sample.
Cade Cunningham is averaging 21.3 points and eight assists, and he’s the guy I trust most to settle the offense when Detroit needs a basket. Paul Reed has stepped in with 8.3 rebounds per game. That’s important because Jalen Duren is out with a hamstring injury. Ausar Thompson has also been dealing with an ankle problem, and his availability needs checking. Detroit isn’t completely healthy, but Cunningham gives the Pistons a reliable way to run their offense. Charlotte doesn’t have that same consistency right now.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions
Detroit Pistons Moneyline
I’m going with Detroit to win. Charlotte’s record looks nice, but the Hornets have been shooting poorly, and they’re missing several players who could help their offense. Detroit is moving the ball better, rebounding better and allowing fewer points. I like Cunningham’s chances of controlling the game, especially if Charlotte keeps giving away possessions. The back-to-back worries me a little. If Detroit has a hard game against New York on Tuesday, tired legs could show up late Wednesday. But unless that game leaves the Pistons badly shorthanded, I’d still rather trust Detroit at home. My preferred play is the moneyline until we have a spread worth laying.
Under 225.5 — Target Total
I’d take Under 225.5 if the market gives us that number. Charlotte is scoring 104 per game, and Detroit has allowed only 105.7 through its first three. The Hornets have been missing shots and haven’t shown enough consistent ball movement to make me expect 115 or 120 against this defense. Detroit can score, but it doesn’t have to run Charlotte off the floor to win. The risk is that the Pistons get a bunch of easy points off turnovers or that Tuesday’s game leaves their defense a step slow. Still, something like Detroit 112-103 feels reasonable to me. That’s a Pistons win without needing a shootout.
Final Picks: Detroit Pistons Moneyline and Under 225.5 (target number)
Preview prepared October 27, 2026.
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