Wizards' Rookie AJ Dybantsa Listed as Questionable vs. Cleveland

The Washington Wizards will look to pick up its second win during the three game road trip when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Whether they have another piece available in the rotation is the biggest question, though, after the team's initial injury report released on Tuesday offered optimism.

Guard/forward AJ Dybantsa is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday, marking the first time the rookie has not been ruled out to begin the regular season. It marks an encouraging sign with all eyes on whether his debut ultimately materializes on the road, or if the rookie holds off to make his debut inside Capital One Arena when the Wizards host the Hornets on Friday night in the second meeting between the two teams within the week.

Dybantsa's eventual return has the chance to serve as a big boost in the rotation with Bilal Coulibaly likely shifting back into a rotational role, giving the Wizards a chance to deploy its likely starting lineup for the first time. Dybantsa ranked third on the team in scoring during preseason after averaging 12.8 points across his four appearances, in addition to 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in nearly 22 minutes per game.

Yet the potential debut of Dybantsa was also met with Justin Champagnie officially sidelined on Wednesday after being ruled out with a right foot injury. Champagnie suffered his injury in Monday's loss against Charlotte in the closing minutes of the first quarter as he was helped off the court, leading the broadcast to confirm he was unavailable for the rest of the game.

Champagnie's absence marks a big blow to Washington given the 25 year old led the team in rebounding ahead of Monday night. He also recorded his first double-double of the regular season after notching 11 points and 14 rebounds agains the Chicago Bulls. Champagnie entered the season looking to stabilize his role as head coach Brian Keefe repeatedly pointed to the Pitt product as a winning player ahead of the regular season, but now, the Wizards will have to replace his production on the glass.

Through four games, Champagnie is averaging 7.5 rebounds and 7.3 points, a somewhat skewed stat line given he played just four minutes on Monday before exiting with an injury.

Champagnie is also one of three inactives alongside Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins against the Cavaliers.

Wednesday's road game against the Cavaliers is set to tipoff at 7 PM before Washington returns to Capital One Arena on Friday.