AJ Dybantsa is expected to debut with the Washington Wizards on Wednesday on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Dybantsa missed the first four games of the season after suffering a left ankle sprain in the Wizards' preseason finale when he landed awkwardly on the court. The team medical staff has evaluated him daily since the injury on Oct. 16.
The No. 1 overall pick was upgraded to questionable on the injury report after making significant progress in his recovery. He was expected to do more on-court work on Tuesday, likely his final step toward clearance to play on Wednesday.
No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa will make his NBA debut for the Washington Wizards tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell
ESPN. pic.twitter.com/attABMbRIn
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 28, 2026
Dybantsa averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 43.9% from the field in four preseason games with the Wizards. He scored 11 or more points in each appearance, including two 13-point performances.
The 19-year-old joins a team that added veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season and, over the offseason, acquired Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton to pair with a young core. He believes those veterans will help him have a smooth transition this season.
Dybantsa had a productive training camp and worked diligently to return to the court. After a minor setback, Dybantsa will make his long-awaited debut on Wednesday.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards' AJ Dybantsa cleared to make debut Wednesday vs. Cavaliers
