AJ Dybantsa leaves Washington’s preseason game against New Orleans with an ankle sprain.© Ndtv Gallery
AJ Dybantsa’s first NBA season could begin with a setback. The Washington Wizards rookie sprained his ankle during a 107-106 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, leaving the court in the second quarter. The injury came just days before Washington’s October 21 season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Dybantsa landed awkwardly after taking a mid-range shot and needed help getting off the court. He did not return to the game.
Brian Keefe Confirms AJ Dybantsa’s Ankle Sprain
“AJ’s got an ankle sprain,” Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said after the game. “We just took him out of the game as a precaution. We’ll look at it more when we get more information.”
Dybantsa finished with 12 points, two rebounds and one block in 15 minutes. The Wizards have not confirmed how long he will be out or whether he will be available against Milwaukee.
The timing has left little room for Washington to assess the injury before the regular season begins. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 35 games for BYU in the 2025-26 season.
AJ Dybantsa’s Injury Draws Criticism From Wizards Fans
Some fans questioned why Washington played its top pick in a preseason game so close to the regular season.
“WHY TF IS HE PLAYING IN A MEANINGLESS GAME WTF”
Another fan pushed back against the concern, writing, “That’s not a good sign. He’s a rookie, and it’s pre-season; he would want to play… It’s an ankle roll relax.
The injury also raised concerns about Washington’s start to the season. One fan wrote, “Losing AJ to start the season takes some steam from the Wizards.”
“They look very promising with not many expectations. Get well soon, Rook!” another supporter wrote.
Washington finished last season with a 17-65 record. Whether Dybantsa will be ready for the opener now depends on the team’s further assessment of his ankle.
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