AJ Dybantsa ruled out by Wizards for season opener vs. Bucks due to ankle injury

AJ Dybantsa's NBA debut will have to wait until at least Friday.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft will sit out Wednesday's season opener for the Washington Wizards with a sprained ankle. Dybantsa suffered the injury during last Friday's preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe told reporters that Dybantsa is considered day-to-day.

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Dybantsa left the game against the Pelicans last week after landing awkwardly on his left ankle following a shot. He limped to the locker room for further evaluation and did not return. Keefe said the decision to keep him out for the rest of the game was a precautionary measure.

AJ Dybantsa went to the locker room after appearing to roll his ankle on this play. pic.twitter.com/GwI5EJMipp

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 17, 2026

A positive sign for Dybantsa is that he took part in shooting drills on Monday and was seen during Tuesday's practice.

Following Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wizards will remain at home on Friday when they welcome the Toronto Raptors.