AJ Dybantsa’s Opening-Night Status in Question After Ankle Sprain

Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa is being monitored after suffering a left ankle sprain in the team’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. The No. 1 overall pick landed awkwardly after a mid-range jumper in the second quarter Friday and did not return. Dybantsa was able to leave the floor under his own power and indicated afterward that he was OK, but the injury comes only days before Washington opens the regular season against Milwaukee.

Early reporting has characterized the injury as a mild sprain, which is encouraging considering how the play initially looked. Dybantsa averaged about 12 points, four rebounds and one assist across four preseason appearances while shooting roughly 43 percent from the field. Washington has spent the preseason integrating the 19-year-old into a roster that gives him veteran help rather than asking him to immediately carry the entire offense.

The most important development now is his availability, not his preseason numbers. Washington has every incentive to be cautious with the centerpiece of its future, especially this close to opening night. A short absence would be manageable; anything longer would delay the first regular-season look at one of the NBA’s most anticipated rookies. Until the Wizards provide a firm timetable, Dybantsa’s status for Wednesday’s opener should be treated as uncertain rather than ruled in or out.