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NBA·PREVIEW·October 28, 2026 05:40 PM ET

No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa active in Cleveland for 7 p.m. ET NBA debut

A left ankle sprain sidelined the rookie for four games.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated just now1 min read
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#1 PICK AJ DYBANTSA ARRIVES FOR HIS NBA DEBUT 🔥 WAS/CLE I 7pm/et, NBA League Pass Via @NBA on X

What happened: Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa was upgraded from questionable to available on Wednesday's official injury list ahead of the road matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2026-27 regular-season contest tips off at 7 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass, marking Dybantsa's first appearance since being drafted first overall.

Why it matters: Washington enters Wednesday's game at 2-2 following a 110-103 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 26. Adding the top overall pick to the active rotation gives the Wizards their primary rookie wing option after opening the schedule short-handed.

By the numbers: Washington posted a 2-2 record across the four regular-season games Dybantsa missed with the left ankle sprain, most recently falling 110-103 at Charlotte on Oct. 26.

What to watch: Pre-tipoff focus centers on Washington's starting five announcement and whether the coaching staff places a minutes restriction on Dybantsa in Cleveland.

Sources

  • @NBA 

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