Pistons Short-Handed as They Face Red-Hot Hornets in Charlotte
The Detroit Pistons head into Monday night’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets missing a key piece of their rotation. Forward Ron Holland is officially out due to personal reasons, leaving the Pistons without one of their more active contributors off the bench as they take on the NBA’s hottest team.
Holland Out, Duren Likely to Return
Holland has been a steady presence in his second year with Detroit, averaging 8.1 points and 4.3 rebounds across 49 games. His absence trims the Pistons’ wing depth at a time when they’ll need all hands on deck to cool off a Hornets squad riding a nine-game winning streak.
There is good news on the injury front, though. All-Star center Jalen Duren, who missed Friday’s blowout win over the Knicks with right knee soreness, is listed as probable and is expected to return to the starting lineup. Duren has already missed eight games this season, but his impact when on the floor has been undeniable-earning him his first All-Star nod.
Roster Moves and Rotation Watch
The Pistons made a move to bolster their depth Sunday night, signing Daniss Jenkins to the 15-man roster. Jenkins had used up all 50 of his eligible games under a two-way deal, and the full-time contract now makes him playoff-eligible.
Another name to watch is veteran wing Kevin Huerter. Acquired in the Jaden Ivey trade with Chicago, Huerter has logged just 14 minutes over two games with Detroit.
However, he showed flashes in Friday’s win, scoring eight points in eight minutes-all in garbage time. With a few more days to acclimate, there’s a chance he could start carving out a more consistent role in the rotation.
Hornets Surging Behind New Starting Five
Charlotte may be sitting 10th in the East at 25-28, but don’t let the record fool you-this is a team playing its best basketball of the season. The Hornets have reeled off nine straight wins, including victories over playoff-caliber opponents like the Rockets, Spurs, and 76ers.
Their current starting five-LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté-has been the most effective unit in the NBA over the past few weeks. In 230 minutes together, they’ve posted a jaw-dropping net rating of +30.6, fueled by a scorching 139.6 offensive rating. That’s elite territory.
The Pistons’ expected starting five-Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren-has held its own this season. In 385 minutes, that group owns a +12.8 net rating, ranking 11th among lineups with at least 100 minutes played. Monday’s game could come down to which unit can impose its style early.
Injury Reports
Here’s how both teams are shaping up health-wise:
Pistons
- C Jalen Duren - Probable (knee soreness)
- F Ron Holland - Out (personal reasons)
- F Bobi Klintman - Out (G-League assignment)
- G Chaz Lanier - Out (G-League assignment)
- G Wendell Moore - Out (two-way contract)
- F Tolu Smith - Out (two-way contract)
Hornets
- G Coby White - Out (left calf strain)
- G Liam McNeeley - Out (ankle sprain)
- G Malaki Branham - Out (not with team)
- F PJ Hall - Out (two-way contract)
- G Antonio Reeves - Out (two-way contract)
White, acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Collin Sexton, remains sidelined with a calf strain and won’t suit up Monday.
Projected Starters
Pistons
- PG: Cade Cunningham
- SG: Duncan Robinson
- SF: Ausar Thompson
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Jalen Duren
Hornets
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Kon Knueppel
- SF: Brandon Miller
- PF: Miles Bridges
- C: Moussa Diabaté
Tip-Off, Broadcast Info & What’s Next
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, with streaming available via Fubo.
After this one, the Pistons head north of the border to face the Raptors on Wednesday before entering the All-Star break. Here’s a look at their next three matchups:
- Wednesday, Feb. 11 - at Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Thursday, Feb. 19 - at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Feb. 21 - at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m. ET
With the break looming, Detroit will be looking to build some momentum-and a win over a red-hot Charlotte team would be a statement.