WASHINGTON – Hoops fans will be getting a big gift on Christmas Day with the start of the NBA season. But if you’re a Wizards fan your gift arrives earlier than others.

The Wizards will have their first preseason game at Verizon Center on Friday, Dec. 16 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Fans can buy tickets for that game starting 10 a.m. Monday.

Team president Ernie Grunfeld says he is excited about the team’s prospects and picking up the progress made at the end of last season.

The Wizards’ first regular season game has yet to be announced.

Grunfeld says the Wizards will run a competitive, tough and athletic team that will be fun to watch.

Because of the lockout the team will play only 62 games this year.

They will try to improve upon the 23-59 record a season ago.

To purchase Wizards tickets, follow this link.

WTOP’s Thomas Warren contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

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