Deroit Pistons Killian Hayes vs Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball (Image via Getty) The Charlotte Hornets host the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on Monday in a meeting between a team fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference play-in race and another leading the Central Division. Detroit enters with one of the best records in the league, while Charlotte is trying to build on recent home success.Both teams are mostly healthy, though a few absences will affect rotations. The guard matchup between LaMelo Ball and Cade Cunningham is expected to shape how the game unfolds, with both offenses running through their primary playmakers.
Charlotte Hornets injury report and availability vs Detroit Pistons (February 9, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets will be without a few players but still has its main contributors available. • Coby White – OUT (right calf strain): The team has ruled him out through the All-Star break to allow the calf to heal. • Malaki Branham – OUT (non-injury / trade): Branham is no longer part of the rotation after being moved earlier in the season. • Xavier Tillman – OUT (not with team): Tillman was dealt in a midseason trade.LaMelo Ball is fully cleared after a brief eye and calf issue earlier this month and continues to handle heavy minutes. Miles Bridges leads the team in scoring and rebounding and scored 26 points in a recent win over Atlanta. Kon Knueppel is becoming a reliable shooter and finished that same game with 23 points and six three-pointers. Cody Martin, Tidjane Salaun, and the rest of the rotation are listed as available.
Detroit Pistons injury report and expected lineup vs Charlotte Hornets (February 9, 2026)
Detroit Pistons have fewer injuries but still carries a short list. • Ronald Holland II – OUT (personal reasons) • Jalen Duren – DAY-TO-DAY (knee): He is considered probable and expected to play, though his minutes could be monitored. • Tolu Smith – OUT (calf): Not expected back until at least mid-February.Cade Cunningham is averaging about 25.1 points and 9.7 assists and has led Detroit in scoring in five of the last eight games. Ausar Thompson is providing around 8.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with consistent defense. Kevin Huerter has started seeing late-game minutes as a shooter and secondary ball handler, and Dario Šarić remains available for frontcourt depth.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Season head-to-head results
• Dec. 20, 2025 – Pistons 112, Hornets 86: Cunningham recorded a triple-double and Duren added a double-double in a 26-point win. • Season series: Detroit leads 1-0. • Last five meetings: Charlotte has won three, Detroit two, though the Pistons have been more reliable at home.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Team stats snapshot
Detroit Pistons – 38-13, 1st in Central
CategoryPistons stat (2025-26) Points per game ~117.5 (top 10 in NBA) FG% ~48.0% 3-pt% ~34.8% Turnovers forced ~17.4 per game Points allowed ~110.3 per game (4th-best in league) Defensive FG% allowed ~44.3%Detroit has produced steady offense while limiting opponents’ efficiency and assists, which has helped maintain its position in the division.
Charlotte Hornets – 24-28, 10th in East
CategoryHornets stat (2025-26) Points per game ~116.0 FG% ~46.2% (21st in NBA) 3-pt% ~36.6% Assists per game ~26.5 (top-15 in league) Points allowed ~113.9 per game (11th-best) Opponent FG% allowed ~47.3% (19th in NBA)Charlotte plays at a faster pace, moves the ball well, and takes a high number of three-point shots. The team has won four straight at home and has moved from 12th to 10th in the conference.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Matchups to watch (February 9, 2026)
Ball vs. Cunningham: With White out, Ball will carry more of the offensive load. Detroit is likely to focus on slowing the game and keeping Charlotte in the half court.Three-point shooting vs. perimeter defense: The Hornets attempt a high volume from deep, while Detroit ranks among the better teams in points allowed and defensive field-goal percentage. Early shooting could set the tone.Rebounding: Detroit, led by Duren, has controlled the boards and limited second-chance opportunities. Bridges and Salaun will need to help close that gap.Home court: Charlotte is 15-19 against Eastern teams but has played better at Spectrum Center, including a 126-119 win over Atlanta.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Betting outlook (February 9, 2026)
Detroit is about a 2.5-point favorite on the road, with the total projected near 223.5 points. The Pistons hold a 32-20-1 record against the spread. Charlotte’s recent form and home results make it a competitive underdog, especially if Duren’s playing time is reduced.The Hornets (24-28) face the Pistons (38-13) in a matchup between Charlotte’s perimeter-focused offense and Detroit’s balanced approach on both ends.Also read: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Detroit Pistons? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (February 9, 2026)With Coby White and Ronald Holland II unavailable, the game is likely to depend on LaMelo Ball and Cade Cunningham. Expect a fast game with outside shooting, transition chances, and physical play near the basket as Charlotte looks to extend its home streak and Detroit aims to maintain its place near the top of the standings.