Ankle injury delays Dybantsa’s regular-season debut
The Washington Wizards will begin their 2026–27 season without No. 1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa after an ankle injury ruled him out of Wednesday’s home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Coach Brian Keefe confirmed the decision on Tuesday, October 20.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time on October 21 at Capital One Arena in Washington. That is 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, in the Philippines.
Dybantsa hurt his left ankle during Washington’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. He landed awkwardly in the second quarter and did not return. He had scored 12 points in 15 minutes before leaving the game.
Keefe described the 19-year-old as day to day. That assessment leaves his availability for later games open, but does not establish a confirmed date for his first regular-season appearance.
Washington selected Dybantsa first overall after his college season at BYU. His preseason gave the Wizards an initial look at their new forward before the injury interrupted preparations for the opener.
Across four exhibition appearances, he averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals, according to UPI’s report. Those numbers describe preseason play and do not form part of his NBA regular-season record.
The Wizards’ next scheduled game after Milwaukee is against Toronto on Friday, October 23, in the United States. Whether Dybantsa can take part will depend on a further update from the team. Washington has not announced a return date.