Detroit at Charlotte

The Hornets have won nine straight games. No, that is not a misprint. Don't expect that win streak to continue, though. Not against Detroit, which has the best record in the Eastern Conference at 38-13. Charlotte is 25-28 and in 10th place in the East despite its hot hand. Detroit is 10-3 in its last 13 games and 21-6 at home on the season. Detroit has defeated Charlotte three consecutive times. The last being 112-86 at home on Dec. 20. The Pistons are the top defensive team in the NBA over the past 15 games. The Hornets have won five games against teams below .500 during their win streak. Charlotte will be shorthanded in the backcourt, as newly-acquired guards Malaki Branham and Coby White are not expected to play. White is expected to be out through the All-Star break because of a calf injury. Take the Pistons.