---
title: "Wizards Take 2-1 Start to Charlotte for Monday Night Test"
url: https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/26/wizards-hornets-preview-charlotte-oct-26/
date: 2026-10-26T06:39:21-04:00
modified: 2026-10-26T06:39:21-04:00
author: "Lynn Colon"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Washington DC"
attribution: "HERE Washington DC"
---

# Wizards Take 2-1 Start to Charlotte for Monday Night Test

*Source: [HERE Washington DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/26/wizards-hornets-preview-charlotte-oct-26/) — October 26, 2026 by Lynn Colon*

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Washington Wizards carry a 2-1 record into Charlotte for a 7 p.m. tipoff against the Hornets on Monday, a Southeast Division meeting between two teams that both won on Saturday.

Washington took its road opener 124-120 at Chicago behind 25 points from Trae Young, who has led the team in scoring in each of the last two games after Anthony Davis put up 34 in the opener. Ten Wizards got minutes against the Bulls.

The Wizards will again play without AJ Dybantsa. The No. 1 overall pick has a left ankle injury and sits for a fourth straight game. Jamir Watkins (knee) and Tristan Vukcevic (hip) are also listed out.

Defense has been the sore spot. Washington has not strung together a solid defensive night yet, and fast-paced opponents have given it trouble. Charlotte tends to play slower.

The Hornets also stand at 2-1 despite missing Kon Knueppel, Coby White and Grant Williams. They rallied past Miami 115-110 on Saturday after letting a 23-point lead slip, with Brandon Miller scoring 34. Newcomer Naz Reid has helped carry the load.

Charlotte won all four meetings last season, ending a five-game Washington run in the series.