The first week of the season has already given Detroit a clear mission: keep its fast start rolling while proving last year’s playoff run was only the beginning. On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. EDT, the Pistons welcome the Hornets to Detroit in a matchup between two young Eastern Conference teams trying to grow fast. As of Monday’s games, Detroit stood 3-0, while Charlotte was 3-1.

Cade Cunningham is the main character in Detroit’s story. The 6-foot-8 guard-forward plays like a tall conductor, using his dribble and patience to guide teammates into open space. He has averaged 21.3 points and eight assists through three games. An assist is a pass that leads directly to a basket, and Cunningham’s total shows how often he creates chances for others. Detroit has scored 118.3 points per game, helped by shooters Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter stretching the floor around him.

The Pistons also bring size and energy. They average 52 rebounds, which means they have done a strong job grabbing missed shots and earning extra chances. Their 7.7 blocks per game show that opponents have found the lane crowded near the rim. But Detroit will be without center Jalen Duren, an important rebounder and lob finisher. Ausar Thompson is questionable with an ankle issue, so the Pistons may need other defenders to handle more work.

Charlotte arrives with a different kind of challenge. Brandon Miller has taken on a larger scoring role, putting up 24.3 points per game over the Hornets’ first four contests. At 6-foot-9, Miller can rise over smaller defenders and fire from the outside or drive toward the basket. Yet his shooting percentages early in the season show that Detroit should make each look difficult. The Pistons’ long defenders will try to crowd Miller without letting him find easy passing lanes.

The Hornets need their offense to move together, especially with guard Coby White listed out with a calf injury. Kon Knueppel is also listed out with a hamstring issue, even though his expected return date is Wednesday. That leaves Naz Reid as a key frontcourt piece. Reid can battle for rebounds inside, then step away from the rim to shoot, giving Charlotte a useful shape against Detroit’s size.

Charlotte has won its past two games, including a 110-103 result over Washington on Monday, but its season has been uneven. The Hornets make only 29.8 percent of their three-point shots so far, while Detroit has made 42 percent. That contrast could decide the night. If Charlotte finds open shots and protects the ball, Miller and Reid can make this a tight contest. If Detroit controls the glass and lets Cunningham direct a balanced attack, its home crowd should have plenty to cheer.

Detroit has beaten Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia during its unbeaten opening stretch, showing poise against strong opponents. With more scoring balance, stronger early shooting, and Charlotte missing key guards, the Pistons are my pick to win.

Cade Cunningham and Detroit’s Fast Start Meet Charlotte’s New Challenge