CHARLOTTE, 10 February 2026 – The Detroit Pistons asserted their dominance at the top of the Eastern Conference on Monday night, snapping the Charlotte Hornets’ impressive nine-game winning streak with a commanding 112-86 victory at the Spectrum Center.
Led by a masterclass performance from Cade Cunningham, who recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Pistons (now 39-13) proved too clinical for a shorthanded Hornets squad. Despite the return of LaMelo Ball to the line-up, Charlotte struggled to find their rhythm, falling to 25-29 on the season as their bid for a 10th consecutive win fell short.
Game Summary: Pistons Cool the Hornets
The match-up was billed as a clash between the East’s hottest team and its statistical leader. Charlotte entered the contest with significant momentum but was hampered by the absence of key contributors Coby White (calf strain) and Malaki Branham. While LaMelo Ball was cleared to play following a recent neck injury, he was held to just 8 points on a difficult shooting night.
Detroit took control in the second half, utilizing their size advantage and superior ball movement. Jalen Duren, who was a game-time decision with knee soreness, provided a massive boost in the paint, while the Pistons’ defence stifled Charlotte’s perimeter shooters. The loss marks the end of Charlotte’s longest winning streak of the 2025-26 season.
Head-to-Head History and Stats
The rivalry between these two franchises remains one of the most balanced in the NBA. Following Monday’s result, the all-time regular-season series is nearly deadlocked.
| Category | Charlotte Hornets | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Regular Season Wins | 66 | 68 |
| Last 20 Games Record | 11 | 9 |
| Home Win % (Historical) | 57.9% | 60.5% |
| Current Conference Standing | 10th (Eastern) | 1st (Eastern) |
Injury Report (as of 9 February 2026)
Both teams navigated significant roster challenges heading into the Monday night tip-off:
- Charlotte Hornets: Coby White (Out – Calf), Malaki Branham (Out), Xavier Tillman (Out).
- Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II (Out – Personal), Tolu Smith (Out – Calf), Dario Saric (Day-to-Day).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Hornets vs. Pistons game on 9 February 2026?
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-86.
Who were the top performers in the latest match-up?
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with a triple-double (22 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball returned to the court but was limited to 8 points and 6 assists.
How long was the Hornets’ winning streak before this game?
The Hornets had won nine consecutive games before losing to the Pistons on Monday night.
Where do the teams stand in the Eastern Conference?
As of 10 February 2026, the Detroit Pistons hold the first seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Charlotte Hornets sit in 10th place, fighting for a Play-In tournament spot.