AJ Dybantsa to Miss Wizards Season Opener With Ankle Injury

The Washington Wizards will be without highly rated rookie AJ Dybantsa for their 2026–27 NBA season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks after he suffered a left ankle sprain during the team’s final preseason game. Head coach Brian Keefe confirmed on Tuesday that the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft would not be available for Wednesday’s matchup.

Dybantsa sustained the injury on Friday, October 16th, against the New Orleans Pelicans. He landed awkwardly and left the game in the second quarter, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds and one block in 15 minutes. Washington lost the preseason contest 107–106.

The 19-year-old is considered day-to-day, and the Wizards are hopeful that he will not be sidelined for long. Keefe has indicated that the injury should not keep the rookie out for an extended period, although the team will monitor his recovery before determining when he can return. Washington is scheduled to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday, October 23th.

Dybantsa arrives in the NBA with considerable expectations after an outstanding college season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points per game in 2025–26. He also impressed during the preseason, recording averages of 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists across four appearances. His regular-season debut will now have to wait as Washington takes a cautious approach to its prized young forward.