Washington Wizards No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa exited the team's preseason finale Friday after injuring his ankle on an awkward landing, and he will undergo further evaluation. The Wizards coach Brian Keefe told sideline reporter Chase Hughes that Dybantsa suffered a mild ankle sprain, but that keeping him out for the rest of the game was more precautionary.
"We'll look at it more when we get more information," Keefe said. Dybantsa fell to the ground after landing on his left ankle following a midrange jump shot and then limped to the locker room. He had scored 12 points in 15 minutes before leaving in the second quarter.
The injury comes at a sensitive time for the franchise, which is counting on its top draft pick to anchor the rebuild. Team officials have not yet released a timeline for his return, and the outcome of the medical review will determine his availability for the opening stretch of the season.
The Wizards open the regular season Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Dybantsa is cleared in time for the opener.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing