AJ Dybantsa will miss the Washington Wizards’ regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks because of a mild left ankle sprain, coach Brian Keefe announced October 20.
The No. 1 draft pick remains day-to-day, according to Field Level Media. Washington hosts Milwaukee on October 21 before another home game against Toronto on October 23.
The announcement delays Dybantsa’s NBA regular-season debut. Field Level Media’s update identified the injury as one sustained during Washington’s preseason finale against New Orleans.
Dybantsa is Washington’s first No. 1 overall selection since John Wall in 2010, according to Sportsnet, making his eventual debut a notable franchise moment.
Toronto is his next opportunity to play, rather than a confirmed return date. Keefe’s reported update did not establish that Dybantsa would be ready for that game.
The injury interrupted a productive final exhibition. WJLA reported that Dybantsa scored 12 points in 15 minutes before leaving against the Pelicans on October 16.
He exited in the second quarter after landing awkwardly following a jump shot. Washington kept him out for the rest of the contest.
The local station also reported that Dybantsa reached double figures in each of his four preseason appearances, giving him game experience before the setback.
Sportsnet put his preseason true shooting percentage at 50.8% across those four appearances.
His preparation has not stopped completely. Yahoo Sports reported that he participated in shooting drills October 19 and was seen at practice the following day.
Those observations do not override the decision to sit him against Milwaukee. Shooting activity and clearance for NBA game action are different steps.
Dybantsa, 19, arrived from BYU after averaging a nation-leading 25.5 points during the 2025–26 college season. Washington selected the 6-foot-9 forward first overall.
Sportsnet’s preseason summary put his exhibition averages at 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 21.7 minutes across four appearances.
The Wizards enter 2026–27 seeking their first season above 20 wins since 2022–23 and an end to a five-year playoff drought, Sportsnet noted.
The opening-night absence also changes the introduction to Washington’s new-look roster. Sportsnet reported that Anthony Davis is set to make his Wizards debut alongside Trae Young.
Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson and Kyshawn George are among the younger players on that roster, giving Washington several developing pieces beyond its top pick.
The Bucks game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern on October 21 at Capital One Arena, according to Bullets Forever’s matchup preview.
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