Pistons Defeat Hornets, Relegate Them to East's Play-In Tournament

Jalen Duren's strong performance helps Detroit secure the win and Charlotte's postseason fate.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic and competitive nature of the contest.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the Pistons and Hornets, capturing the intensity and strategic complexity of the game.Charlotte Today

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-110 on Friday, with Jalen Duren scoring 20 points and the Pistons going on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away. The loss means the Hornets will be relegated to the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament, eliminating their chance to advance directly to the playoff bracket.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as the Hornets were fighting to secure a direct playoff berth, while the Pistons had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference. The outcome means the Hornets will have to go through the play-in tournament to make the playoffs, adding an extra hurdle to their postseason aspirations.

The details

Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting, while Duncan Robinson added 19 points. The Pistons pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 15-2 run. LaMelo Ball scored 27 points for the Hornets, but they shot just 27.7% from 3-point range and committed 16 turnovers.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 20-year-old power forward for the Detroit Pistons who scored a team-high 20 points in the win.

LaMelo Ball

The 24-year-old star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, who led his team with 27 points in the loss.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA team that defeated the Charlotte Hornets, securing first place in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte Hornets

The NBA team that lost to the Detroit Pistons, relegating them to the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with that same energy and focus as we head into the playoffs.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons Forward

What’s next

The Pistons will now focus on preparing for the playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Hornets will have to navigate the play-in tournament to secure a spot in the postseason.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of securing a direct playoff berth, as the Hornets now face an uphill battle to make the playoffs through the play-in tournament. The Pistons, on the other hand, have solidified their position as a top contender in the East.