AJ Dybantsa to Make NBA Debut, Watch Wizards' Hype Video Ahead of Injury Return

Top 2026 NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa is set to make his Washington Wizards debut Wednesday night at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Wizards announced the news with a Wednesday afternoon hype video featuring Dybantsa's No. 4 jersey.

Dybantsa was sidelined for the start of his rookie season with an ankle injury he suffered in the Wizards' preseason finale.

The Wizards confirmed Dybantsa will be playing on a minutes restriction, according to The Athletic's Josh Robbins.

Wizards coach Brian Keefe said Dybantsa had suffered a mild sprain of his left ankle after appearing to roll it in the second quarter of an Oct. 16 exhibition game at the New Orleans Pelicans.

Keefe described Dybantsa as day-to-day when announcing he would be sidelined for the Wizards' season opener Oct. 21.

Dybantsa ultimately sat out four games. He was listed as questionable Tuesday before he was upgraded to available about six-and-a-half hours before Wednesday's tip-off.

The Wizards have alternated wins and losses during a 2-2 season start led by veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis, who have each averaged more than 22 points per game.

Preseason starters Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George could join Dybantsa in the starting lineup. Bilal Coulibaly, who has started all four games for the Wizards so far this season, could be moved back to the bench.

The Wizards could hope that change will spark some more efficient shooting from Coulibaly. The fourth-year wing has made just 18.2 percent of his attempts from deep to start the season, and his scoring contributions will remain important going forward amid Dybantsa's minutes restriction and Justin Champagnie's right foot injury.

Dybantsa appeared in three preseason games for the Wizards, averaging 13.0 points on 42 percent shooting from the floor while contributing 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals before the injury.

Washington will now see if Dybantsa, who led the nation with 25.5 points per game as a freshman at BYU, can build on that success as he opens his NBA account against the Cavs.