Our fabulous Hornets, losers of nine of their last eleven games and more hobbled than a two-legged tripod, are on national TV tonight (TNT, 7pm CT). You see, it's not just us loyal fans who should have to endure the torture of 48 minutes of Hornets' basketball. No, the whole country must suffer with us tonight.

So get ready, America. Get ready to gouge your eyes out while Desmond Mason throws up bastardized hook shot after bastardized hook shot, while Marc Jackson misses countless 15-foot jumpers, while nobody in a Hornets uniform can manage to hit two free-throws in a row, and while the supposed future frontcourt of the franchise lies rotting on the bench.

Or, you could just not watch. You could always do that.

Here's all you need to know about Hornets vs. Pistons tonight at the Ford Center…

• First of all, Bobby Jackson possibly kind of hopefully who-the fuck-knows might be back tonight. Apparently it's all down to how he feels at shootaround this morning. John Rohde has a nice update on all the injured Hornets right here. Good to hear that David West is lifting weights and practicing again.
• Chauncey Billups will miss tonight's game with a calf strain. He was injured in the Pistons' loss to the Pacers last Friday. Also out is Chauncey's usual understudy, Lindsey Hunter, with some kind of foot injury. That leaves Flip Murray starting at the point for Detroit. He had 18 points and 7 assists against Phoenix on Sunday.
• Overall, the Pistons are 18-11 and atop the Eastern Conference (full standings here), but they have dropped three straight, their latest loss being that Phoenix game.
• The Hornets and Pistons locked horns once already this season, back on November 15th. You may remember Hilton Armstrong exploding in that game for 17 points, 9 rebounds and the game-winning free-throw. Refresh. I'm guessing the Pistons remember that game real well.
• Rip Hamilton has been averaging a career-high 22.4ppg for the Pistons this season. He dropped 31 on the Phoenixes on Sunday, and had a career-high (I presume) 51 in that triple-OT loss to the Knicks back on Dec 27th.
• Also dangerous for Detroit are the usual suspects, such as Tayshaun and Rasheed. You already know this. Full team stats are here.
• The Pistons have cheerleaders (what up, Darcy!), and fat dudes. Whatever floats your boat.

Chances of a win tonight? I'm thinking not good, mainly because they owe us for that game in November, plus they've had the last three days off. I think the worst-case scenario would be a close game that the Hornets lose, because then Byron will only play seven guys and that just pisses everyone off.

Linkage…

• AP game preview
• Detroit Bad Boys
• Need 4 Sheed
• Position Battles: Injury Bug Stings Hornets