Give the NBA credit: It’s even trying to make the preseason interesting.

The Bulls announced their five preseason games Tuesday, and, yes, they don’t count in the big picture, but when it comes to intrigue, no league does it better.

The Bulls tip off their preseason Oct. 7, playing host to the Eastern Conference powerhouse Bucks and former Bull Robin Lopez. Two nights later, they welcome in Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

Williamson was the ultimate prize in the 2019 draft and watched his Summer League cut short during his first game when he suffered a minor knee injury.

He’s expected to be up and running — as well as jumping — by next month, so the hope for the United Center faithful is they’ll get two looks at Williamson — one in the preseason and again in the regular season.

The Bulls then hit the road to face the Pacers before heading north to play the defending NBA champion Raptors in Toronto. They’ll wrap up the preseason Oct. 17 at home against the Hawks.

Like the Bulls, the Hawks feel they have an up-and-coming roster, so it could be an early test of whose rebuild is making better progress. Broadcast information for all five games will be announced by the Bulls.