AJ Dybantsa Set to Make Wizards Regular Season Debut vs Cleveland

The wait is officially over.

The Washington Wizards are expected to have a key piece available when they take the floor on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers with rookie AJ Dybantsa officially upgraded to active, paving the way for the top overall pick to make his NBA regular season debut.

Dybantsa was one of four players included on the team's injury report on Tuesday, though his status was unclear after being the lone player ruled questionable, marking the first time the rookie has not been ruled out to begin the regular season. Dybantsa has been sidelined since the preseason finale loss against the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering an ankle sprain, leading head coach Brian Keefe to rule him day-to-day during a media availability in the following days.

The official debut of Dybantsa also marks a notable boost for the Wizards, making Wednesday the first time that fans can see the expected starting lineup including the rookie and Kyshawn George alongside Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis and Trae Young. Through four games in preseason, Dybantsa averaged 12.8 points across in addition to 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in nearly 22 minutes per game.

The BYU product arrived in Washington after becoming the clear choice to become the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Dybantsa became the NCAA scoring champion as a freshman, making him the first player since Glenn Robinson to lead the country in scoring then go first in the draft, after averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Though his three point shooting has been a concern, while he shot 2-for-11 from three during Summer League, Dybantsa also ended his lone season in college shooting over 51% from the floor and showcasing himself as a potential future face of an NBA franchise, now materializing in Washington.

Yet Dybantsa admitted through preseason that with multiple established players around him, the rookie knows he doesn't have to force his case with a chance for his teammates to help him ease into the NBA pace.

Dybantsa's debut also comes as the Wizards will be without forward Justin Champagnie, who has been ruled out with a right foot injury. The team has yet to announce an official recovery timeline, though his absence serves as a notable blow for a team that has struggled to control the glass when he's not on the floor.

Tipoff is set for 7 PM between the Wizards and Cavaliers.