NBA preseason games usually mean little … make that nothing. They’re simply used as a warm-up, a way for coaches to institute their schemes and for players on the fringe to try to make the team.
But for the Cavaliers and their fans, there could be a few reasons to pay attention to the preseason schedule, released Wednesday.
Here’s a breakdown:
Montepaschi Siena, Monday, Oct. 8
Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m.
Preseason opener will provide the first look at rookies Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller against non-summer league competition -- and offer a glimpse into how well Kyrie Irving has recovered from offseason hand surgery. Meanwhile, Siena is an Italian league power. Last year’s roster featured point guard Bo McCalebb, shooting guard Marcellus Kemp and forward Shaun Stonerook, a Columbus native who played collegiately at Ohio State and Ohio U. Stonerook is now an Italian citizen.
Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, Oct. 9
Canton Memorial Civic Center, 7 p.m.
Two days into the preseason, and the Cavs get their first taste of two games in two nights. They’ll also get a look at Bucks lottery pick John Henson, whom one scout called, “Tristan Thompson with a perimeter shot.” On this night, Henson stands a chance to test that theory vs. the very Cavs forward to whom he’s been compared. As an aside, this is the Cavs’ first-ever game at the home of their D-League affiliate, the Canton Charge.
Chicago Bulls, Friday, Friday, Oct. 12
Assembly Hall (Champaign, Ill.), 8 p.m.
The Cavs get to see how they measure up against the team that finished with the best record in East last season (50-16) -- then lost in the first roundof the playoffs after star guard Derrick Rose blew out his knee. But if you’re anticipating the first-ever Rose-Kyrie Irving matchup, forget it. Rose could potentially be sidelined until April.
Washington Wizards, Saturday, Oct. 13
Quicken Loans Arena, 7:30 p.m.
Preview of the regular-season opener pits Cavs’ Dion Waiters (No. 4 overall draft pick) against Wizards’ Bradley Beal (No. 3). With the additions of Beal, and veterans Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, the Wizards should be a much-improved, and considerably more exciting, opponent.
Orlando Magic, Monday, Oct. 15
U.S. Bank Arena (Cincinnati), 7 p.m.
Biggest question is if Dwight Howard will still be a member of the Magic. Second-biggest is if the Cavs can beat this team anytime, anywhere -- as the Magic have been a Cavs nemesis for nearly a decade.
Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, Oct. 17
Wells Fargo Center, 7 p.m.
The Sixers have undergone a bit of a shakeup this offseason, losing classy (and still productive) veteran Elton Brand and streaky reserve scorer Lou Williams. More importantly, teams tend to make an even greater effort to look sharp in their final two preseason games, as well as get a feel for what the regular season might be like.
Indiana Pacers, Tuesday, Oct. 23
Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m.
The final tune-up before the regular season offers a look at how the Cavs match up with one of the East’s up-and-coming teams. And after giving the champion Miami Heat all they could handle in the playoffs, the Pacers are poised to take the next step. Are the Cavs?
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
