How does one tentatively schedule a trial?
That's actually not too uncommon .. trial dates can move a lot, depending on a lot of factors.
The key point of the article, however, is that the judge has not granted discovery. There's no sense in pretending there will be a trial if she can't jump that obstacle.
It has to do with the date. Meaning on or about on that date the court goes to trial.
Happens all the time. The dates are not carved in stone. Cases can settle before the trial date. Cases can be dismissed before the trial date. Trial dates can be pushed back or postponed indefinitely. It just gets it on the calendar and sets a date to shoot for.
With a pencil.