basketball | Monday, February 27, 2023 12:22 PM (Revised at: Monday, February 27, 2023 1:23 PM)

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Bet Builder Tips: Back LaMelo To Lead Charlotte To The Win

Sam Cox

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Bet Builder: Monday, February 27th

The 19-43 Charlotte Hornets host the 15-46 Detroit Pistons on Monday night in a battle at the basement of the Eastern Conference. Neither team has much to play for down the stretch aside from improved lottery odds, but it is clear the Hornets enter this game in better shape, with four straight wins. Detroit has only won three games since January 11th.

Charlotte has quietly played some good basketball either side of the All-Star break, beating the Hawks, Spurs, Timberwolves and Heat. LaMelo Ball is playing at an exceedingly high level – over the last four weeks, only six players are averaging more combined points, rebounds and assists.

The Hornets have got healthy, with Cody Martin the only absentee for Monday’s game. P.J. Washington is doubtful. Detroit is focused firmly on player development with Cade Cunningham out for the year. Nerlens Noel and Jalen Duren are both sidelined for this one. Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Stewart are questionable.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Preview
Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Bet Builder

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Preview

Tue, Feb 28. 01:00 (UK time)

Detroit has won the two previous meetings, including earlier this month. What we have seen from Charlotte lately shows they deserve to be favoured for this game, however. Detroit is 7-24 on the road this season, and is firmly in a period of experimentation. James Wiseman’s arrival has led to a mix up of the frontcourt rotations, with some big line ups being used. Killian Hayes and Jaden Ivey are a raw, inefficient backcourt. Dealing away Saddiq Bey has weakened this team for 2023.

If Bogdanovic is out, it is hard to see where the scoring comes from outside of Ivey having a big game. Charlotte has no such concern with Ball’s efforts complemented by Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr and even Mark Williams, who scored 18 on 12 field goal attempts last time out.

Ball is the centre of everything the Hornets do well. He has recorded six consecutive double-doubles. Hayward, Oubre, Rozier and others are put in position to succeed on offence by Ball’s playmaking, and Hayes is likely overtaxed with this matchup.

Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons Bet Builder

Charlotte is playing the better basketball. On paper, their rotation is far more talented, even if both teams should be aiming to improve their lottery odds.

Ball has been a double-double machine of late, setting up his teammates and crashing the glass hard. He has recorded five or more rebounds in 13 consecutive games, and only three players average more potential assists in February.

This is a game Charlotte should win, such is their clear talent advantage. With Ball’s production of late, this 2.30 price is serious value.