RealGM Basketball Wiretap

14 February 2026

• How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, livestream providers

  This contest, set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, serves as a critical final examination for both franchises before the All-Star break. As the Detroit Pistons (39-13) look to maintain their precarious grip on the first seed in the conference, the Toronto Raptors (32-22) enter the matchup as the fifth seed, seeking to capitalize on a recent surge and the home-court advantage provided by one of the league's most fervent environments. The strategic implications of this game have been significantly altered by a recent league-wide disciplinary ruling, which has left the Pistons' frontcourt severely depleted and forced both coaching staffs to engage in a rapid tactical recalibration.

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  The Pistons have established a distinct identity defined by "throwback" physicality and an elite defensive architecture that currently ranks second in the league in defensive rating at 109.3. Their success is predicated on a high-low offensive system and a defensive scheme that prioritizes rim protection and rebounding dominance, where they currently rank third in the league with an average of 45.7 boards per game.

  The centerpiece of this resurgence is All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham, who has evolved into a legitimate MVP candidate and an All-NBA caliber floor general. Cunningham's averages of 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game reflect a player who has mastered the art of game control, leveraging his 6-foot-6 frame to manipulate defenses and create high-percentage looks for his teammates. Furthermore, the defensive emergence of Ausar Thompson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Month for December and January, has given Detroit a versatile perimeter stopper capable of neutralizing the league's most explosive wings. Despite this success, the Pistons face a moment of extreme adversity as they arrive in Toronto without their primary interior tandem of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to a multi-game league suspension, testing the depth and resilience of a roster that has otherwise been the model of consistency in 2026.

  The Toronto Raptors have navigated the 2025-26 season with a focus on maximizing the high-ceiling potential of their core duo, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, positioning themselves as a dangerous fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 32-22 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Darko Rajakovic, the Raptors have implemented a free-flowing offensive system that emphasizes ball movement and pace, currently ranking third in the NBA in assists per game at 29.5. Ingram's has proven to be a masterstroke for the organization; Ingram was recently named as an All-Star injury replacement for Steph Curry, marking his second career All-Star nod and validating his impact as Toronto's leading scorer at 22.0 points per game. His pairing with Scottie Barnes, who is averaging a dominant 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, has created a versatile forward tandem that few teams have the length or mobility to contain.

  Toronto's identity in early 2026 is also bolstered by one of the league's most effective bench units, which has consistently provided positive net ratings while bridging the gap between the starting rotations.The emergence of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and the steady play of Sandro Mamukelashvili have given the Raptors the depth required to survive a grueling regular-season schedule. In February, the team further strengthened its rotation by acquiring veteran Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors, a move designed to address a perceived lack of size and rebounding in the frontcourt.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  For viewers in the Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding regions, the primary carrier for this matchup is the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSDET). This network, which replaced the previous Bally Sports branding, serves as the exclusive regional sports home for the Pistons, providing comprehensive pre-game, live-action, and post-game analysis. Local fans can access the broadcast through traditional cable and satellite providers or via the FanDuel Sports Network's standalone streaming application, which offers a direct-to-consumer option for cord-cutters within the team's designated market area.

  In Canada, the broadcast rights are primarily managed by TSN (The Sports Network), with this specific game scheduled for national coverage on TSN4. The Canadian broadcast is expected to leverage its local expertise to highlight the rise of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, providing a narrative centered on Toronto's return to contention. For fans outside the immediate Detroit and Toronto markets, the game is available via NBA League Pass, the league's flagship out-of-market subscription service. It is essential for viewers to note that local blackout restrictions remain in effect for League Pass subscribers residing within the broadcast territories of FDSDET and TSN.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The historical data between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors reveals a period of recent dominance for the Pistons, who have secured victories in seven of their last eight meetings. This shift is particularly noteworthy given Toronto's earlier success in the series. On April 4, 2025, the Pistons visited Toronto and earned a 117-105 win, covering a 10-point spread in a game that stayed under the total of 226.0. Earlier in that season, on January 11, 2025, Detroit defended their home court with a 123-114 victory, a game that surpassed the 226.0 over/under mark. The November 25, 2024, meeting was a much more defensive affair, with Detroit edging out a 102-100 win at home, though Toronto managed to cover the four-point spread.

  Ten days prior, on November 15, 2024, the Pistons earned another road victory in Toronto with a 99-95 scoreline, covering a 2.5-point spread. The trend extends back into the 2023-24 season, where Detroit won 113-104 on March 13, 2024, and famously snapped a historical losing streak with a 129-127 home win on December 30, 2023. Toronto's last home win of note in the series occurred on November 19, 2023, when they routed the Pistons 142-113, covering as 9.5-point favorites. Despite Detroit's historical record of 9 wins to 5 for Toronto in the most recent stretch of games, the current rosters have evolved, and the absence of Detroit's starting frontcourt on February 11, 2026, presents the Raptors with their best opportunity in years to reset the narrative of the series.

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  Head-to-Head Series History

  The historical data between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors reveals a period of recent dominance for the Pistons, who have secured victories in seven of their last eight meetings.This shift is particularly noteworthy given Toronto's earlier success in the series. On April 4, 2025, the Pistons visited Toronto and earned a 117-105 win, covering a 10-point spread in a game that stayed under the total of 226.0. Earlier in that season, on January 11, 2025, Detroit defended their home court with a 123-114 victory, a game that surpassed the 226.0 over/under mark. The November 25, 2024, meeting was a much more defensive affair, with Detroit edging out a 102-100 win at home, though Toronto managed to cover the four-point spread.

  Ten days prior, on November 15, 2024, the Pistons earned another road victory in Toronto with a 99-95 scoreline, covering a 2.5-point spread. The trend extends back into the 2023-24 season, where Detroit won 113-104 on March 13, 2024, and famously snapped a historical losing streak with a 129-127 home win on December 30, 2023.Toronto's last home win of note in the series occurred on November 19, 2023, when they routed the Pistons 142-113, covering as 9.5-point favorites.Despite Detroit's historical record of 9 wins to 5 for Toronto in the most recent stretch of games, the current rosters have evolved, and the absence of Detroit's starting frontcourt on February 11, 2026, presents the Raptors with their best opportunity in years to reset the narrative of the series.

• Isaiah Stewart Suspended Seven Games; Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate Get Four-Game Bans

  Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart will miss seven games after leaving the bench and participating in an on-court fight, the NBA announced Wednesday. His punishment reflects a pattern of previous unsportsmanlike conduct, according to James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.

  Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received four-game suspensions for their roles in escalating the altercation. Pistons center Jalen Duren drew a two-game ban for starting the incident.

  The confrontation occurred with 7:09 left in the third quarter of Detroit's 110-104 road victory on February 9 at Spectrum Center. Diabate's defensive foul on Duren triggered the sequence that led to the brawl.

  All four players received technical fouls and ejections during the game. League officials reviewed the incident before determining the suspension lengths.

  Stewart's seven-game penalty exceeds those handed to the other participants due to his disciplinary record. The league cited his history of unsportsmanlike behavior as a factor in the extended punishment.

  The suspensions take effect immediately. Stewart and Duren will sit out Thursday when Detroit visits the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Bridges and Diabate begin serving their penalties Thursday as Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks at home.

• LaMelo Ball Credits Foundation, Family Bond For Hornets' Transformation Under Charles Lee

  LaMelo Ball attributes the Charlotte Hornets' dramatic turnaround to the foundational culture established by head coach Charles Lee over nearly two seasons.

  The Hornets have won 14 of 21 games after starting 2026 at 11-22, defeating the Western Conference's top five teams during a nine-game winning streak. Ball emphasized the importance of organizational cohesion in building sustainable success.

  "You definitely gotta have the groundwork," Ball told Yahoo Sports. "For anything to build up to the top, you have to have that bottom row solid and together, you know?"

  Ball's relationship with Lee has strengthened despite challenging moments, including multiple benchings and removal from the starting lineup. The two have moved past early-season frustrations when Ball's future with the franchise appeared uncertain.

  "We all got a good bond," Ball stated. "Me, him, the coaches, the players, everybody. The whole staff. We just feel like one big family for real."

  Lee, a former Bucks and Celtics assistant with two championship rings, has implemented a deliberate offensive system emphasizing ball movement and collective play. His insistence on sharing possessions has resulted in decreased field-goal attempts for Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges while increasing efficiency for the latter two.

  "It's very important that we all trust each other and believe in one another," Lee said. "The players hold each other to a high standard and, collectively, that's what's helping us elevate."

  Charlotte ranks third in the NBA with 45.2% of field goals coming from three-point range while playing at the league's 25th pace, according to Cleaning the Glass. The Hornets lead the league in distance traveled on offense.

  Ball's buy-in has created a top-down effect throughout the roster. Charlotte ranks league average in passes and assists per game but sits in the top five in secondary assists, demonstrating the emphasis on ball movement.

  The starting lineup featuring Ball, Miller, Bridges, rookie Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabate has posted a +146 rating in 230 minutes, scoring 143.1 points per 100 possessions.

  Charlotte owns all first-round picks for the next seven years and will enter the summer with financial flexibility as an over-the-cap, under-the-tax team. The Hornets currently have four players in RealGM's Player Value Index Rankings top-100 in Knueppel (39th), Bridges (51st), Ball (54th) and Miller (87th).

• Kon Knueppel Called 'A Killer' By Charles Lee

  Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel possesses a competitive edge that belies his quiet demeanor, according to head coach Charles Lee, who delivered a blunt assessment of his young star.

  "He has this bravado, this façade, where he doesn't give you much. He stays even keeled," Lee stated. "But he's a f---ing killer."

  Knueppel has recorded 162 three-pointers through his first 49 NBA games, the most by any player in league history over that span. The 20-year-old guard is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while emerging as a surprise contender for NBA Rookie of the Year behind Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg, his former Duke teammate and roommate.

  The Milwaukee native scored 32 points in his first NBA game at Fiserv Forum in November, with approximately 2,000 people from his hometown attending. Knueppel has been selected for the Rising Stars mini-tournament and the three-point contest at this week's All-Star Weekend.

  "When the moment's the biggest, he wants to be the guy that steps up," said Hornets guard Sion James, also a former Duke teammate. "He's always like, 'Give me the ball. Find me. I'll get open.' He's not afraid."

  Knueppel played his freshman season at Duke in 2024-25, where associate head coach Emanuel Dildy told NBA scouts during the predraft process: "Kon's a hockey player. He just happens to be great at basketball."

  Former Hornets teammate Pat Connaughton praised Knueppel's maturity and self-motivation. The guard is known as an old soul who enjoys 1980s music, soft rock and classic films like "The Princess Bride."

  Lee highlighted Knueppel's basketball intelligence on both ends of the floor, particularly his defensive instincts and ability to adjust during games.

  "Most guys like to relax," Lee said regarding Knueppel's rebounding effort. "Even if his guy doesn't crash, he's coming in to get a hit on somebody else's guy."

  Knueppel ranks third in the NBA in three-pointers made this season behind Stephen Curry and Donovan Mitchell. He has been named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month three times.

• Hornets Sign Pat Connaughton

  The Charlotte Hornets signed Pat Connaughton, the team announced on Monday.

  The move comes after the team opened up a roster spot by waiving Malaki Branham.

  The Hornets waived Connaughton to complete a deal in which they acquired Branham from the Mavs for Tyus Jones.

  Connaughton is averaging 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 22 games this season.

• Diabate, Bridges, Duren, Stewart Tossed As Fight Erupts In Pistons-Hornets Game

  A third-quarter altercation between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets resulted in four player ejections during Detroit's 110-104 victory Monday night at the Spectrum Center.

  Charlotte's Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges were dismissed alongside Detroit's Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The incident occurred with just over seven minutes remaining in the third period.

  The confrontation began when Diabate fouled Duren on a drive to the basket. Duren turned and approached Diabate face-to-face, with the two players butting heads before Duren shoved Diabate in the face with his open right hand.

  While Pistons forward Tobias Harris restrained Diabate, the Charlotte center threw a punch at Duren. As Duren walked away, Bridges charged and threw a left-handed punch, prompting Duren to retaliate. Diabate attempted to charge again before being held back.

  Stewart left the bench to confront Bridges, who responded with a punch as the players tussled. The confrontation lasted more than 30 seconds before officials restored order.

  Detroit held a 70-62 lead when the fight erupted and maintained control to secure the six-point victory.

  Tensions persisted throughout the fourth quarter. Hornets coach Charles Lee was ejected midway through the final period after officials issued a no-call when Charlotte forward Grant Williams collided with Detroit's Paul Reed.

  Lee had to be restrained while shouting at officials following the non-call.

  The Pistons improved their record with the road victory despite the chaotic atmosphere that defined the second half.

• Hornets Waive Malaki Branham

  The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Malaki Branham. The Hornets acquired Branham at the trade deadline in a three-team trade that sent Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis and three others to the Washington Wizards.

  Charlotte didn't need Branham, as their backcourt depth is already solid. The Hornets have LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as starters, with Sion James, Josh Green, Tre Mann and the newly-acquired Coby White as backups.

  Charlotte will eat $4.9 million in dead money on their books by waiving Branham. The Hornets now have one open standard roster spot.

  Branham had appeared in 28 games for the Wizards before being traded at the deadline. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 4.6 points in 9.8 minutes per game for Washington. Branham played in 188 games for the San Antonio Spurs over the first three seasons of his NBA career and averaged 8.5 points per game.

• How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs, livestream providers, international coverage

  As the league enters the second week of February 2026, the matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center stands as a marquee fixture that encapsulates these transformative themes. This game is not merely a contest between two Eastern Conference opponents; it represents a clash between the conference's current leader and its hottest surging team.

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  The Detroit Pistons have emerged as the most significant success story of the 2025-2026 campaign, currently occupying the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 38-13 record. This performance marks a stunning turnaround for a franchise that spent the early 2020s in the lottery. Under the guidance of President Trajan Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit has cultivated an identity rooted in defensive physicality and an elite offensive efficiency that ranks among the league's best. The team's dominance was perhaps most visible on February 1, 2026, when they delivered a 130-77 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, a 53-point margin that set a new franchise record for the most lopsided win in organization history.

  The Pistons' surge is driven by the maturation of Cade Cunningham, who has established himself as a legitimate MVP candidate. As of early February, Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting 46.0% from the floor. His ability to manipulate defenses and find open shooters has been amplified by the team's strategic trade deadline activity. The front office's decision to send Jaden Ivey to Chicago in exchange for Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric was designed specifically to improve the team's spacing and veteran depth. This move has allowed the Pistons to surround their core playmakers with elite shooting, exemplified by Duncan Robinson's 12.0 points per game on 40.1% shooting from beyond the arc.

  While Detroit represents consistent season-long excellence, the Charlotte Hornets are the hottest team in the NBA as of February 9, 2026. Charlotte enters this matchup on a nine-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the league and the best such run for the franchise since the 1998-1999 season. This surge has revitalized a fan base that has long waited for a competitive breakthrough. The Hornets currently sit at 25-28, good for 10th in the Eastern Conference and firmly entrenched in the play-in race. This transformation is credited to the tactical adjustments of head coach Charles Lee and the emergence of rookie Kon Knueppel, who has taken the league by storm.

  Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has become the centerpiece of Charlotte's offensive revitalization. Named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January 2026, Knueppel has engaged in a high-profile Rookie of the Year battle with Dallas's Cooper Flagg. Knueppel's impact is defined by his historic three-point shooting; he is currently on pace to shatter the NBA rookie record for triples, ranking third in the league in total three-pointers made, trailing only veterans Stephen Curry and Donovan Mitchell. His 24-point performance in a win over the Houston Rockets and his 23-point contribution in the February 7 victory over Atlanta highlight a player who is already operating with veteran-level efficiency.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  In the Detroit market, fans continue to rely on the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSDET), the rebranded successor to the Bally Sports era. This network provides the primary terrestrial and cable coverage for Pistons fans within the designated home market. Similarly, the Charlotte market is served by FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSN SE-CHA). The integration of the FanDuel brand into the RSN landscape reflects the deeper synthesis of sports betting and live broadcasting that has become a hallmark of the 2026 fan experience. Both games can be viewed via RSNs through Fubo. For those outside these local footprints, the primary viewing vehicle is NBA League Pass, which remains the central hub for out-of-market access.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The Detroit Pistons are closely monitoring the status of All-Star center Jalen Duren, who is currently listed as day-to-day with right knee soreness and missed the February 6 rout of the Knicks. If Duren remains sidelined, the Pistons are expected to start Isaiah Stewart at center, with Tobias Harris, who is himself questionable with hip soreness,slated for the power forward position. The backcourt will be led by Cade Cunningham at the point and the sharpshooting Kevin Huerter at the shooting guard spot, while Ausar Thompson will likely be tasked with the primary defensive assignment on Charlotte's wings. Off the bench, Detroit will rely heavily on veteran Paul Reed and rookie Ron Holland, who has seen increased minutes in Duren's absence.

  The Charlotte Hornets have a more stable starting five but are managing significant depth issues in their backcourt. The projected starting lineup features LaMelo Ball at point guard and Brandon Miller at the wing, with rookie sensation Kon Knueppel starting at small forward. Miles Bridges will continue to anchor the power forward position, while Moussa Diabate is the projected starter at center following his dominant rebounding performance in Atlanta. The Hornets will be without the services of Coby White, who is sidelined with a calf strain, and Malaki Branham, which places additional pressure on reserves like Tre Mann and Sion James to provide scoring punch.

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  Head-to-Head Series History

  The competitive history between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets in the 2025-2026 season provides a stark contrast between their early-season forms and their current trajectories. The teams first met on December 21, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena, a game that resulted in a dominant 112-86 victory for the Pistons. In that encounter, Detroit's interior defense completely neutralized Charlotte's transition game, holding the Hornets to a season-low point total at the time. However, that meeting preceded the full integration of Kon Knueppel into the Hornets' primary scoring rotation and the defensive improvements implemented by coach Charles Lee in early 2026. Looking back at the last two seasons, Detroit has held a distinct advantage, winning five of the last seven regular-season meetings, including a series sweep in early 2025 where games were decided by scores of 98-94 and 112-102. Despite this historical edge for the Pistons, the current nine-game winning streak for the Hornets represents the first time in nearly a decade that Charlotte has entered a matchup with Detroit as the statistically superior team over a ten-game sample size. The betting trends reflect this shift, with Charlotte covering the spread in four of their last five games, suggesting that the February 9 matchup will likely deviate from the blowout nature of their December meeting.

• Tosan Evbuomwan, Hornets Sign Two-Way Contract

  Tosan Evbuomwan and the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a Two-Way deal, agent George Langberg told ESPN's Shams Charania.

  Evbuomwan appeared sparingly in five games earlier this season with the New York Knicks while on a Two-Way contract.

  In 21 G League games this season, Evbuomwan is averaging 18.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 35.4 minutes.

• Celtics Trade Xavier Tillman Sr. To Hornets, Get Out Of Luxury Tax

  The Boston Celtics have traded Xavier Tillman Sr. to the Charlotte Hornets and are now out of the luxury tax. The Hornets will receive $3.5 million in cash as part of the deal.

  The Celtics entered the offseason in 2025 well into the second apron, but managed to unload several significant salaries and yet have remained competitive in the Eastern Conference without Jayson Tatum.