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AJ Dybantsa injury shakes up Wizards — Southeast Division roundup
On the eve of the 2026-27 NBA season, No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa will miss the Wizards’ opener while the rest of the Southeast Division waits at 0-0.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
NBA opening day is here after a long offseason, but in the Southeast Division the standings still read 0-0 across the board and the main news is off the court. In Washington, the Wizards will have to start the year without their new franchise cornerstone.
Wizards: No. 1 pick Dybantsa out for opener
CBS Sports reports that No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa will miss the Washington Wizards’ regular-season opener due to an ankle injury suffered during the preseason. He is considered day-to-day after rolling his ankle, so the early indication is that this is a short-term setback, but it delays the forward’s highly anticipated NBA debut.
Dybantsa’s on-court environment is already under the microscope as well. As relayed by Hoops Rumors from The Athletic, rival NBA scouts and talent evaluators are divided on whether playing next to Wizards point guard Trae Young will be ideal for Dybantsa’s development. On one hand, Young is regarded as an elite playmaker who can create easy looks. On the other, his ball-dominant style may reduce how often Dybantsa initiates offense himself, a key question for his long-term growth.
Hawks: Trae Young’s new context draws attention
The day’s main storyline technically belongs to Washington, but it still loops in the Atlanta Hawks through the lens of Trae Young. The debate around how Young’s presence will shape Dybantsa’s trajectory underscores how central the former Hawks star remains to any discussion of his new team. Atlanta, sitting at 0-0 like the rest of the division, has no specific roster news reported, but Young’s transition to Washington will be watched closely from afar.
Hornets, Heat and Magic: minor health questions as season begins
Hoops Rumors also cites injury notes for the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic heading into the start of the season, though no further details are provided in this summary. Both clubs, along with the Miami Heat, remain at 0-0 and continue final preparations as the league tips off.
With every Southeast team still unbeaten by default and only Washington facing an immediate bump in the road, the stage is set. The coming days, and the first real games, will show how much Dybantsa’s brief absence and Young’s new role actually move the needle in the division race.