Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 28 2026
In Wednesday night NBA action, the Charlotte Hornets will travel to Little Caesars Arena to take on the Detroit Pistons. This battle will get started at 7:00 pm EST on October 28, 2026. The game can be streamed on NBA League Pass. The Pistons have been installed as a 7.5 point home favorite and the total as of writing is 215.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Charlotte trying to find more offense
The Charlotte Hornets have missed the playoffs in ten consecutive seasons and have not won a playoff series since 2002. Despite a negative seven average point differential, the Hornets have won three of their first four games. On Monday, Charlotte built a ten-point halftime lead and never trailed during the second half of a 110-103 home victory versus Washington.
Charlotte F Brandon Miller poured in a game-high 39 points on 15-for-28 shooting and pulled down six boards. Talented big man Naz Reid scored 18 points (8-22 FG) and secured 12 rebounds. Grayson Allen added 15 points (7-7 FT) in 28 minutes off the bench for the Hornets.
Charlotte ranked in the bottom six in turnover rate last season and have committed 76 turnovers through their first four games. The Hornets rank in the bottom four in offensive efficiency (102,1) and are scoring an NBA low 104 points per game. During Monday’s victory, Charlotte outrebounded Washington by a 54-41 margin and led 82 percent of the time.
Detroit hungry for postseason success
The Detroit Pistons won 31 of 40 home games a season ago and finished four games ahead of Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons (3-1) won a playoff series for the first time since 2008 and appear to be ready to make a deeper run. Last night, Detroit was outscored by 24 points during the third quarter of a 111-97 road loss against New York.
Paul Reed led five Detroit players in double figures with 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. All-Star Cade Cunningham scored 19 points (7-18 FG) to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists. Ausar Thompson added 11 points and six boards for the Pistons.
Detroit has established a defensive identity for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The Pistons currently rank sixth in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 107 points per contest. During Tuesday’s road loss, Detroit missed 28 of 37 three-point attempts and shot 43 percent overall.
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Prediction
Pick: Charlotte Hornets +7.5
Charlotte guards Coby White (calf) and Kon Knueppel (hamstring) are not ready to make their season debut. Detroit C Jalen Duren suffered a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The Pistons have won five straight games against the Hornets, but will likely be flat after faltering in the second half last night. Take the points.
Pick: Over 215.5
Detroit is playing at the 11th fastest tempo in the league, while Charlotte ranks in the bottom third in that category. The Hornets are 0-4 O/U and are averaging 104 points per game, so I would expect their offense to breakout. The Pistons are playing on consecutive nights and will not be as sharp defensively. Take the contrarian over.
Final Score Prediction: Detroit Pistons win 114-109