Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa remains day-to-day with an ankle injury after taking part in shooting drills at Monday's practice. Washington opens its season Wednesday against the Bucks, and his status for that game is not announced.
What happened
Dybantsa is listed as day-to-day on the injury report updated Monday, Oct. 19, at 2:24 p.m. ET. His previous status was also day-to-day, so the designation did not change. The report lists the injury as a left ankle and leg issue. On Friday, Oct. 16, the report had him day-to-day with an ankle and leg issue. Ben Strober of 106-7 The Fan Washington reports that Dybantsa participated in shooting drills during Monday's practice but remains day-to-day. The report gives an expected return date of Oct. 21, the day of the opener.
What it means for the Wizards
The Wizards open the 2026-27 season at home or on the road against the Bucks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Dybantsa is 19 and plays forward. There is no season line for him yet, and Washington has no record with or without him because no regular-season games have been played. If he is held out, the minutes would fall to a rotation that has been logging them without him. CJ McCollum averaged 30.9 minutes and 18.8 points in those games. Julian Reese averaged 30.9 minutes and 11.8 points. Kyshawn George averaged 29.0 minutes and 14.8 points. Alex Sarr added 27.2 minutes and 16.3 points. Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are both out.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Dybantsa moves off the day-to-day label before Wednesday's game against the Bucks. His practice work Monday was limited to shooting drills, so any step up to contact or full-court work would be the next sign. The report lists Oct. 21 as his expected return, but the team has not announced whether he will play in the opener. Vukcevic (hip) and Watkins (knee) remain out, which leaves Washington thin heading into the first game of the season.
Is AJ Dybantsa playing vs the Bucks on Oct. 21?
Not announced. He is day-to-day with a left ankle and leg issue. He took part in shooting drills at Monday's practice, and the report lists Oct. 21 as his expected return.
When will AJ Dybantsa be back?
The report lists an expected return of Oct. 21, the date of the opener against the Bucks. The Wizards have not announced whether he will play that night.