Wizards vs. Kings preview: Can the Wizards build on first game positives?

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

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What is the story about?

Fresh off a four-point win over the Utah Jazz to open the 2026 NBA Summer League, the Washington Wizards take on the Sacramento Kings squad Sunday night at 7 p.m. Eastern.

The Wizards got just about everything they could have hoped for in the opener. AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley all impressed while also showing areas for improvement. Aided by the league’s nonsensical foul rules (players get 10 before being disqualified despite the game being eight minutes shorter — if anything, they should

be given five like college), Jamir Watkins harassed No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson into nine turnovers and a 6-18 shooting night.

Seth Trimble wasn’t bad in 12 minutes of action, but otherwise no one else did much in the opener. That’s fine, though — the Wizards aren’t counting on any of them to be part of the rotation. Best case, they might have one or two on the roster, and others might be part of their G League roster.

The Kings are also 1-0 in summer league — powered by 21 points off the bench from second round pick Emanuel Sharp and solid performers from young players with NBA experience (Jonathan Mogbo and Dylan Cardwell), they beat the Los Angeles Clippers.

What to Watch For

Dybantsa — Build on the strong opener by hitting a three or two and using his athletic tools and considerable skills to create easier shots.
Johnson — Show more dimension than taking shots. Set up some teammates for scores, get a few rebounds.
Will Riley — Fewer turnovers, stronger defense.
Felix Okpara — Six boards in 20 minutes was fine. Let’s see more at-rim defensive presence, a blocked shot or two, and better screens.
Jamir Watkins — Take (and make) some threes. Defend without committing nine fouls in 20 minutes.
Seth Trimble — More minutes, strong defense. Let’s see him channel his inner Jalen Suggs.

For Sacramento, I’m interested in seeing Darius Acuff Jr., a talented guard who ranked sixth in YODA this year. The Kings hope he’ll be a long-term driver of high-level offense.