AJ Dybantsa suffers ankle injury during Wizards preseason finale

Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa suffered a left ankle sprain during the team’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. The injury occurred late in the second quarter after the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft landed awkwardly following a mid-range jumper.

Dybantsa, who had recorded 12 points, three rebounds, and one block in 15 minutes of play before the incident, was removed from the game for precautionary reasons. While he was able to walk to the locker room under his own power and was seen telling others “I’m good,” his availability for the regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday remains uncertain.

Throughout the preseason, Dybantsa averaged 12.75 points and 4.25 rebounds per game. The injury comes at a critical time as the Wizards prepare to begin their season with the 19-year-old forward positioned as a central figure in their long-term plans.