Hornets and Pistons Set for Late-Season Rematch After February Brawl

The Eastern Conference rivals meet for the first time since a heated incident that resulted in multiple ejections.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, with the players and court broken down into sharp, angular geometric shapes and planes of color.The high-stakes late-season rematch between the Pistons and Hornets will test both teams' composure as they vie for playoff positioning.Boston Today

The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets will face off on Friday in their first matchup since a brawl in February that led to four player ejections and the ejection of Hornets coach Charles Lee. The Pistons have already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Hornets are jockeying for playoff positioning. Both teams will look to avoid any further incidents as the postseason approaches.

Why it matters

The February brawl between the Pistons and Hornets generated significant attention and controversy, raising questions about player conduct and the league's ability to maintain order during heated matchups. This rematch will be closely watched to see if the teams can avoid similar incidents as they prepare for the playoffs.

The details

The Pistons beat the Hornets 112-86 at home in December and 110-104 in the brawl-marred game in Charlotte in February. The brawl was sparked by a confrontation between Detroit's Jalen Duren and Charlotte's Moussa Diabate in the third quarter, leading to the ejections of Detroit's Isaiah Stewart and Charlotte's Miles Bridges. Both teams will look to maintain their composure in this late-season matchup.

  • The Pistons and Hornets last played on February 9, 2026.
  • The teams will face off again on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star player who led the team in scoring in both prior games against the Hornets, averaging 27.5 points.

Isaiah Stewart

The Pistons player who was ejected from the February game against the Hornets for his involvement in the brawl.

Moussa Diabate

The Hornets player whose confrontation with Jalen Duren sparked the brawl in the February game.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets player who was ejected from the February game against the Pistons for his involvement in the brawl.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star guard who has been on a scoring tear, including back-to-back 35-point games.

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What they’re saying

“'I think we're going to have a great practice and get ourselves ready to play a really tough (team), obviously, the No. 1 seed, in the Detroit Pistons.'”

— Charles Lee, Hornets Head Coach

“'There is no way to replicate NBA basketball other than playing NBA basketball, so it was great to have them back out there trying to catch a rhythm going down the stretch.'”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

“'I thought the unselfishness offensively, the pace and execution were great for most of the game.'”

— Charles Lee, Hornets Head Coach

What’s next

With the playoffs beginning within a week or so, both teams will be focused on maintaining their composure and avoiding any further incidents that could lead to suspensions or other disciplinary actions.

The takeaway

This late-season rematch between the Pistons and Hornets will be closely watched to see if the teams can avoid the type of brawl that marred their previous matchup in February. Both teams have a lot at stake as they prepare for the postseason, and maintaining their focus and discipline will be crucial.