Washington Wizards first-overall pick AJ Dybantsa will miss Wednesday night's season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks with a mild left ankle sprain, head coach Brian Keefe said on Tuesday afternoon.
Although Dybantsa will miss the Wizards' first game of the 2026-27 season, Keefe mentioned that it is not a serious injury and the rookie is considered day-to-day. The good news surrounding the No. 1 pick from the 2026 NBA Draft is that he has been doing light work in practice and could be ready to play in the team's second game of the new season against Toronto on Friday.
Dybantsa suffered his left ankle sprain in the Wizards' preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The injury occurred in the second quarter after the Wizards' rookie landed awkwardly after an attempted jumper over Zion Williamson.
Despite having a moderate limp, Dybantsa did walk off the court on his own power.
Article Continues BelowAJ Dybantsa limped to the locker room after rolling his ankle on this play.
Hope he is okay 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/AxedBqfixg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2026
Upon heading to the locker room, Dybantsa was ruled out for the remainder of the game against New Orleans out of an abundance of caution. The Wizards went onto lose 107-106 in their preseason finale.
This is a developing story that will be updated shortly.