The Detroit Pistons (39 - 34) defeated the Charlotte Hornets (41 - 31) 112 - 105 on Friday. Both teams saw key starters make their return to the lineup for Friday's contest. Marvin Williams, the Hornets' sharpshooting big man, made it back after a one - game absence due to a knee injury, while the Pistons' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope returned from his own one - game sabbatical that had been brought about by an illness. The Detroit two - guard came out on the better end of things Friday, as he tallied a team - high 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals. Meanwhile, Williams could only muster seven points, two rebounds and two assists over a modest 22 minutes of action. The Pistons also established a dominant presence down low, as they out - rebounded the visitors by the notable margin of 62 - 42, and outscored them in the paint, 50 - 32. Charlotte was led by Kemba Walker, who tallied 29 points, five assists and two rebounds. Nicolas Batum was the only other starter who managed double - digit scoring, totaling 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Jeremy Lamb led the reserves as the only other Hornets player to score more than 10 points, amassing 11 points, five rebounds, an assist and a trio of steals over 22 minutes off the bench. The Hornets are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division, and slotted in the sixth seed in the conference as well. They head to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks in a Saturday night tilt. Marcus Morris was right behind Caldwell-Pope's scoring total for the Pistons, extending a recent stretch of impressive play with 20 points and seven rebounds. Andre Drummond followed closely behind with an 18 - point, 14 - rebound double - double that also included three blocks. Reggie Jackson was typically efficient, collecting 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Aron Baynes paced the reserves with 16 points and eight rebounds in only 19 minutes, his third double - digit scoring effort over the last four games. Anthony Tolliver was also productive off the bench, registering 11 points, eight rebounds and a block. The Pistons have now vaulted into a second - place tie with the Pacers in the Eastern Conference's Central Division, and are slotted in the eighth seed as well. They're home again on Saturday night versus the Atlanta Hawks.
["TeamStat(G,'Pistons') has 34 Losses ,has 112 Total points ,has 62 Points in 4th quarter ,has 39 Rebounds ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Hornets') has 31 Losses ,has 105 Total points ,has 29 Points in 4th quarter ,has 42 Rebounds ,has 41 Wins ."]