Wizards at Cavaliers Discussion

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

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CLEVELAND — AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, will make his NBA debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing the first four games with a sprained left ankle.

Brian Keefe said Dybantsa will be on a minutes restriction. He wouldn’t reveal the exact minutes allocation. The 19-year-old forward hasn’t played since he injured his ankle on Oct. 16.

“I’m just excited for him to be on the court,” Brian Keefe said pregame. “This is his first game. I just want him to enjoy it. It’s obviously

a great milestone for him and his family. So just excited for him.”

The Wizards are coming off a frustrating loss to a depleted Charlotte Hornets squad that dominated the glass. Washington must improve its rebounding effort against a Cavaliers team that features Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low.

With Justin Champagnie sidelined with a fractured right foot, Keefe mentioned Washington’s deep roster as something it’ll lean on.

“We got a deep roster. Different guys will step up,” Keefe said. “Not going to reveal the rotation, but this is what the NBA is about. Guys will get opportunities, and our guys are prepared to step in.”