3 Biggest Keys For Hornets to Take Down Pistons

The Charlotte Hornets will be taking on the Detroit Pistons on Monday, giving them a nice test within the first weeks of the new season.

This will be another game against Detroit, with the team falling to the Pistons last week. The Hornets will enter this game against the Pistons with a record of 3-4, while Detroit comes in with a record of 5-1.

Charlotte has played much better than most people thought they would coming into the season, and this team has looked strong. Even with second-year forward Kon Knueppel missing the first few games of the season, the Hornets' offense hasn't skipped a beat.

As the team gets ready for the game with Detroit at home, it can't take the Pistons lightly at all. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Hornets to get the win over the Pistons on Monday:

1. Brandon Miller Outduels Cade Cunningham

The Hornets have a true star in Brandon Miller, and this game could be a chance for him to keep performing well this year. Going up against Cade Cunningham, Miller will try to one-up the young point guard.

Miller has been excellent for the Hornets so far this year, including him posting multiple 30-point games. But against the Pistons, Charlotte is going to need Miller to step up again to help them get the win.

2. Take Advantage of Jalen Duren Injury

With Pistons star Jalen Duren out due to a hamstring injury, the Charlotte big men are going to be counted on even more. Guys like Naz Reid and others will need to step up in this game, putting pressure on the Pistons' frontcourt.

Reid has looked good for the Hornets so far this season, and he could be in line for a strong game against Detroit. But if the Hornets don't seize this opportunity, it could be a failed night for this team trying to take wins early in the year.

3. Turnover Creation

So far this season, the Pistons have turned the ball over at a higher-than-average rate, and this is an area where Charlotte can take advantage. For the Hornets, defense has to be the calling card in this game, using active hands to slow down the Detroit offensive attack.

If the Hornets can turn defensive stops or turnovers into transition offense, it could provide this team with a big boost in the game. This Hornets team has the tools to make it happen, and now they will get to prove it again against the Pistons in this game.