AJ Dybantsa gives the Wizards their first scare: ankle injury before the start of the NBA

The Washington Wizards have faced an initial setback with AJ Dybantsa just days before the start of the NBA regular season. The number one pick of the 2026 draft had to leave the team's last preseason game after suffering an injury to his left ankle, a situation that has raised early alarms within the franchise in the U.S. capital.

Wizards coach Brian Keefe explained to journalist Chase Hughes, who was covering the game from the sidelines, that the player had suffered a mild ankle sprain. However, the coach wanted to convey reassurance and pointed out that the decision to prevent him from returning to the game was primarily a precautionary measure.

"We will evaluate him more closely when we have more information," said Keefe, leaving the definitive confirmation about the physical status of his young star pending.

A bad fall forces Dybantsa to withdraw

The injury occurred during the second quarter when Dybantsa fell to the ground after landing awkwardly on his left ankle following a mid-range shot. The player remained on the floor for a moment and then left the court with difficulty walking, before heading to the locker room.

Up to that point, the number one draft pick had made a good impression in the game, scoring 12 points in just 15 minutes of play. His performance was interrupted by the mishap, forcing the coaching staff to do without him for the rest of the game.

Although Keefe's initial indications point to a mild sprain, the Wizards hope to have more information before determining the next steps. For now, neither the duration of his absence nor whether the injury will affect the player's availability for the season opener has been confirmed.

The Wizards, awaiting the opener against Milwaukee

The setback comes at a delicate moment for Washington, which is finalizing its preparation for the start of the regular season. The Wizards will debut on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, in a game where Dybantsa's participation will depend on the progression of his ankle and the results of medical evaluations.

The franchise will need to closely monitor the recovery of their top draft pick, one of the organization's major future bets. The immediate priority will be to determine the actual severity of the injury and to prevent an apparently mild problem from worsening by rushing his return to the court.

For now, the initial diagnosis suggests caution, but does not necessarily indicate a prolonged absence. The upcoming examinations will be crucial to determine whether AJ Dybantsa can be available for the Wizards' first official game or if he will have to wait to make his debut in the 2026-27 season.