The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night at Spectrum Center, and the latest injury report highlights key availability questions that could influence rotation depth and frontcourt matchups.
Detroit lists starting center Jalen Duren as probable due to right knee soreness, a notable detail for a team that relies heavily on interior scoring and rebounding from the 22-year-old big man. Duren averages 17.7 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 63.0% from the field, which anchors a Pistons offense producing 117.5 points per game.
Ron Holland II is out for personal reasons, removing a versatile wing defender from the rotation, while Dario Saric remains out and not with the team following Detroit’s recent three-team trade with Chicago and Minnesota. Several developmental players, including Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, Tolu Smith, and Wendell Moore Jr., are unavailable due to G League assignments or two-way status.
The Pistons enter the matchup at 38-13, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings after a dominant 118-80 win over the New York Knicks. Cade Cunningham continues to lead the offense with 25.1 points and 9.7 assists per game, and his pick-and-roll chemistry with Duren has been central to Detroit’s half-court efficiency.
Charlotte’s injury report is shorter but includes a significant absence, as guard Coby White remains out with a left calf strain. The scoring guard, acquired at the trade deadline, averages 18.6 points per game and adds perimeter creation alongside LaMelo Ball, whose 7.5 assists per game drive the Hornets’ transition attack.
Malaki Branham is listed out and not with the team, while PJ Hall, Liam McNeeley, and Antonio Reeves are unavailable due to G League assignments.
The Hornets have surged into the Eastern Conference play-in picture at 25-28 and bring a nine-game winning streak into Monday’s contest, including recent victories over Atlanta and Houston. Miles Bridges leads the frontcourt with 18.4 points and 6.1 rebounds, while center Moussa Diabate adds interior presence with 8.7 rebounds per game.
Detroit won the previous meeting this season, a 112-86 home victory on Dec. 20, where defensive rebounding and efficient perimeter shooting created separation.
