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When: 7PM EST
Where: Charlotte, NC, Time Warner Cable Arena
How to Watch: NBA League Pass, Fox Sports South
The Charlotte Hornets (22-29) take on the Detroit Pistons (20-32) tonight in Charlotte. This will be the first time that Charlotte coach Steve Clifford takes on his mentor Stan Van Gundy. Both teams need this win going into the All Star Break as they fight for one of the last two spots in the Eastern conference playoffs.
Last season the then Bobcats and Pistons faced off in a crucial home-and-home series right before the trade deadline. Charlotte was 24-30 and Detroit was 22-31 (seem familiar?). The Bobcats won both games and a day later traded for Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour and finished the season 18-9. Could tonight's outcome have an impact on the front office as they decide if Charlotte will be buying or selling?
Match-up to watch: With Bismack Biyombo still out with injury, the Hornets may struggle to contain the super athletic Andre Drummond. While Charlotte has defended the pick-and-roll admirably with Brian Roberts and Al Jefferson at the helm, D.J. Augustin and Drummond are able to play above the rim, which can cause all sorts of problems for the Hornets defense (remember that Dallas Mavericks game?).
What's next: The Hornets have 11 days until their next game and as Steve Clifford said in a recent interview, he knows "guys have their plane tickets." However, he will remind players that last year Al Jefferson worked out over the break and he proceeded to average 24.5 points and 11.4 rebounds on 53 percent shooting for the remainder of the season.