The Hawks started off the preseason with a victory over the defending Eastern Conference champions.
The starting lineup for the Atlanta Hawks in the first preseason game of the year included Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Kent Bazemore, Paul Millsap, and Al Horford. The Hawks opened up with an early lead, but the Cavaliers kept it close throughout the first after J.R. Smith tied with a 3-pointer. The second quarter was much of the same for the Hawks who were able to pull away, and the bright spot for the Hawks in the half was Jeff Teague, who had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist.