For most of them, it will be one of those "just seeing where we are" experiences, the first preseason game in a season they expect to conclude with meaningful playoff games.
For TJ Leaf, it's much more than that. While it would be a gross exaggeration to call it the opportunity of a lifetime when he makes a start for the Pacers when they play at Houston on Thursday, it's at least a significant chance to establish himself as someone coach Nate McMillan will trust to contribute amid a congested group of established players once the regular season begins.