WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whether the Washington Wizards get to show off their top rookie on opening night is still an open question. AJ Dybantsa, the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is listed as day-to-day with a sprained ankle before the Wizards open the season Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Coach Brian Keefe gave no firm answer after a light Sunday practice when asked if the former BYU forward would play, saying only that the team is taking it a day at a time.
There was at least one hopeful sign. Video from practice showed Dybantsa shooting free throws once the team’s shooting session wrapped up.
The injury came Friday in the last exhibition game, which the Pelicans won 107-106. Dybantsa came down awkwardly after a midrange pull-up in the second quarter, needed help from trainers to get to the locker room and did not come back. He had 12 points in 15 minutes before he left.
In four exhibition games he scored 12.8 points a night, with 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.8 assists in roughly 22 minutes. The team has not set a timetable for his return.
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