NBA Matchups: January 5

Detroit Pistons (front end) at Charlotte Hornets

Team Totals: Pistons 109, Hornets 119

Injury Report: P.J. Washington (Q, conditioning), Frank Jackson (O, ankle), Cory Joseph (O, protocols), Isaiah Stewart (O, protocols)

Pistons projected starters: Killian Hayes, Cade Cunningham, Hamidou Diallo, Saddiq Bey, Trey Lyles

Hornets projected starters: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, Mason Plumlee

Casey quotes: Said Saddiq Bey having confidence now has been the key to his recent strong play, said Hamidou Diallo and Josh Jackson are also playing with more confidence, said Justin Robinson played well off the bench.

Borrego quotes: Said the start of the fourth quarter was costly, said Miles is playing well and capable of big minutes.

Stats and Notes: 

*The Pistons are suddenly able to put points on the board, and they’ll have most of their key players back for today. The Pistons have also really upped their pace lately as a top-eight team in time per possession over the last month, so this should be an excellent game environment.

*There are positive spots galore here. The Pistons actually defend the 3-point line fairly well, so this sets up better for some scorers with an interior game. Miles Bridges gets a very favorable matchup in this spot and we know he’s going to play some heavy minutes. Assuming similar cost, I’d prefer Miles and Hayward over the guards. Mason Plumlee also gets a revenge game, but P.J. Washington returning could take some serious upside off him.

*LaMelo’s minutes are so annoying, but he should have some upside against Killian Hayes. He offers huge upside, but Borrego could undo him, especially with fouls.

*Saddiq Bey should get a bright green light against one of the worst perimeter defenses in the NBA. It’ll be him and Cade running the show, and both should be in play. Plus, Killian could be an option after an injury cut him down in the last game.

Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic