CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons, boasting the NBA’s best record, aim to rebound from a rare loss when they visit the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.

Detroit (57-22), which clinched the Eastern Conference’s top seed last week, is coming off a 123-107 road defeat to Orlando on Monday. That loss snapped a stretch where the Pistons had won 10 of their previous 11 games. The team’s dominance has been fueled by center Jalen Duren, who enters Friday on a stellar run. Over his last 10 games, Duren is averaging 22.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists, including a 31-point, nine-rebound performance against Toronto and a 22-point, 14-rebound outing versus Minnesota.

The Hornets (43-37), currently positioned for the play-in tournament, look to solidify their standing and gain momentum for the postseason. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games but are also looking to bounce back after a 113-102 loss in Boston on Tuesday. Charlotte is led by All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, who scored 36 points in that loss and is averaging 22.8 points and 7.2 assists over his last 10 contests.

This matchup features a stark contrast in recent head-to-head history. The Pistons have won both meetings this season, including a 110-104 victory in Charlotte on Feb. 9 and a 112-86 win in Detroit on Dec. 20. Detroit’s defense, which ranks among the league’s best, will be tested by Ball’s dynamic playmaking and scoring.

For the Pistons, this game is a final tune-up before the playoffs, with an emphasis on regaining their defensive intensity. For the Hornets, it’s a critical opportunity to measure themselves against the conference’s elite and build confidence on their home floor. The Hornets have been strong at Spectrum Center, winning eight of their last 10 home games.

Following this contest, Detroit will visit Indiana on Sunday, while Charlotte will travel to face the New York Knicks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.