Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Predictions

Detroit's injury uncertainty matters at -7.5

Detroit enters as a 7.5-point home favorite with a -278 moneyline at SPF. WhyNBA, an NBA news and injury-report site, reported that the Pistons had not filed their game-day injury report as of the league's 12:15 a.m. ET update. That uncertainty makes it difficult to back either Detroit price.

The Pistons also played Tuesday night, losing 111-97 at New York. Jalen Duren is out for at least two weeks with a strained right hamstring, while Ausar Thompson played through a right ankle sprain in that loss. Those availability concerns matter more against the spread because Detroit can win without covering 7.5 points.

Charlotte is short-handed too

Charlotte has ruled out Kon Knueppel, Coby White and Grant Williams. The Hornets were missing the same three players when they beat Washington 110-103 on Monday, but one win doesn't establish that they can cover against Detroit.

The total is 215.5, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Without confirmed starters, team statistics or a complete Detroit injury report, there isn't enough information to support a total wager.

Best bet

Detroit is the more likely winner, but -278 offers little room for error and the incomplete injury picture weakens the case for laying 7.5 points. Pass.