AJ Dybantsa Misses Wizards Opener with Ankle Injury

Key points

• AJ Dybantsa will miss the Wizards' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday due to a left ankle injury.
• The injury was sustained during the second quarter of the preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he scored 12 points before exiting.
• Dybantsa's next opportunity to play is scheduled for Friday against the Toronto Raptors.
• Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton are expected to see increased playing time and usage in Dybantsa's absence.
• The Wizards' season opener will still feature the debut of the Trae Young and Anthony Davis tandem.

Background

AJ Dybantsa was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after a standout season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds. He had a strong summer league performance, totaling 50 points in two appearances, and scored in double figures in all four of his preseason games. The Wizards have been in a rebuild for years, with Dybantsa's arrival providing optimism for the future.

How outlets are covering it

Both NBC Sports and Bleacher Report report that AJ Dybantsa will miss the season opener due to an ankle injury sustained in the preseason finale. NBC Sports notes that the injury is serious enough to keep him out through at least Wednesday, while Bleacher Report specifies that it was a mild ankle sprain. Both outlets agree that Dybantsa's next chance to play is Friday against the Toronto Raptors. NBC Sports highlights that Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton are likely to see bumps in playing time and usage, with Coulibaly the favorite to fill in with the first unit. Bleacher Report emphasizes that the Wizards will still be looking forward to the debut of the new star tandem of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, along with promising young pieces like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.

Why it matters

AJ Dybantsa is the 2026 No. 1 overall pick and a highly touted prospect for the Washington Wizards. His absence for the season opener is a setback for the team's early-season plans and fantasy basketball managers. The injury also highlights the importance of depth and the roles of players like Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton in the Wizards' rotation.

What to watch

AJ Dybantsa is expected to return for the Wizards' next game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The Wizards will continue to rely on Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton for additional minutes in his absence. The team will also be looking forward to the debut of the Trae Young and Anthony Davis tandem.