A disappointing fourth quarter ended the Hornets' chances of avoiding the Play-In Tournament.

The Charlotte Hornets cannot afford to lose tonight. That is the reality heading into Friday’s home clash with the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. The Hornets enter as a team fighting not just for seeding but for their postseason life.

The young and exciting Hornets can still dream big with only a few games left before the 2026 NBA playoffs begin.

The Charlotte Hornets mustered just ten points in the fourth quarter after a competitive first three quarters as they lost to the Detroit Pistons.

Here's how to watch Friday's Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons game, including start times, TV channels, scores and how to stream.

The Charlotte Hornets did not play last night, and there weren't very many games that impacted them in the standings. However, there was one very important game

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller, left, is pushed down by Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, center, as Pistons teammate guard Caris LeVert, right, gains control of a loose ball during action on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. The Pistons defeated the Hornets 118-100. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

Charlotte Hornets (43-38, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (53-28, third in the Eastern Conference) New York; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Hornets -8.5; over/under is 215.

In the first meeting between the Pistons and Hornets since Feb. 9 when a brawl broke out that led to four suspensions, Detroit took care of business with a dominant fourth quarter to earn a 118-100 victory in the penultimate game of the regular season.