Wizards Rule Out AJ Dybantsa for Season Opener Against Milwaukee
Washington will begin its season without the player it selected first overall. AJ Dybantsa has been ruled out of the Wizards’ home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, October 21st, because of an ankle injury, coach Brian Keefe said Tuesday.
The AJ Dybantsa injury update delays his first regular-season appearance but does not establish a longer absence. Sportsnet’s report says Keefe described the rookie forward as day-to-day. A return date has not been confirmed in that update.
What happened in preseason
Dybantsa hurt his left ankle in the second quarter of Washington’s preseason finale against New Orleans on Friday. He left that game and will now miss the opening-night matchup with Milwaukee.
The 19-year-old former BYU standout averaged 12.8 points across four preseason appearances. Those exhibition minutes offered an introduction to his NBA role; they do not count toward his regular-season statistics.
Washington’s opening-night picture
Sportsnet also identifies Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson and Kyshawn George among the players to watch as Washington starts its new season. Dybantsa’s absence removes one of the most anticipated parts of that first look.
For fans following the rookie’s recovery, the distinction between an opening-night absence and a firm recovery timetable matters. Day-to-day is a status update, not a promise that he will be available for the next game. The next team injury report will be more useful than speculation about a target date.
PowerPage’s NBA opening-week guide covers the broader television schedule as the league returns. The Wizards story is more specific: their opener goes ahead Wednesday, while the wait for Dybantsa’s debut continues.
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