Bridges Duren Ejections Spark Pistons Hornets Rivalry

A regular-season game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets erupted into a scuffle Monday that nearly spilled into the crowd. Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were all ejected. The teams meet again April 10, and a playoff matchup would be appointment viewing after that dust-up. Merlin sees a rivalry brewing. Four ejections leave a mark on team psychology and roster availability, and the league will be watching for fines or suspensions. Both clubs play a physical brand and feature young, fiery talents, so any postseason series would be as much about managing emotions and matchups as it is about Xs and Os.