Pistons' top defense faces Hornets' last-ranked offense in Charlotte

The Detroit Pistons (5-1), owners of the NBA's best defense, visit the Charlotte Hornets (3-4) on Monday night, with Charlotte's league-worst offense and three-game losing streak set against a defense that allows 101.6 points per 100 possessions.

Charlotte scores 100.8 per 100, last in the league, and its true shooting mark of 52% is the lowest. Detroit holds opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 48.8, second best.

The Hornets live behind the arc. Half their shots, 50.9%, come from three, the second-highest share in the league, and no team gets to the free throw line less often. With few fouls drawn, easy points are scarce against a defense this tight.

Charlotte's best counter is the offensive glass. The Hornets rank fourth in offensive rebound rate at 31.4%, and Moussa Diabate pulls down 5.3 offensive boards a game. Detroit sits 15th on the defensive glass and has lost Jalen Duren, its leading rebounder.

Both teams grind. Charlotte plays at the slowest pace in the league and Detroit ranks 24th, so every empty trip weighs more.

Cade Cunningham runs the Pistons with 22.2 points and 7.2 assists a game. Brandon Miller carries Charlotte at 24.4 points a night, though he shoots 37.7% from the field.

Duren is out. He averages 7.5 rebounds in 28.2 minutes and is expected back Monday, November 9. Elijah Harkless, who plays 19.3 minutes a game, and Isaiah Joe are questionable.

Charlotte is without Kon Knueppel, who logs 31.4 minutes a night, and Grant Williams. Both are out and expected back Monday, November 9.

Detroit beat Charlotte 97-89 on Wednesday, October 28. The Hornets have since lost 109-104 at home to Philadelphia and 95-79 at Washington, while the Pistons won 110-94 at Brooklyn for their second straight win.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET. Sportsbooks' prices give Detroit a 62% chance to win; our projection puts the Pistons at 70%, by 6.5 points.