AJ

Dybantsa

Dybantsa continues to show flashes of immense fantasy potential, but it’s abundantly clear that he’s a work in progress while acclimating to everyday life at the highest level. The 19-year-old phenom’s most impressive bucket of the night came early in the second quarter when he shook John Collins with a fake eurostep before flying to the rim for a two-hand slam. He’s tallied at least 17 point in five of seven games since making his season debut back on October 28.

There’s very little doubt that Dybantsa has an extremely bright fantasy future, but he’s probably going to experience the typical growing pains that even the most talented rookies endure. The spotlight was squarely on him in this one with Anthony Davis missing his second straight contest with a lingering ankle issue. The first-overall pick from last year’s draft is averaging 16 points through his first six games. The Wizards have a busy four-game week upcoming that features a pair of matchups against the Pistons in addition to the Pacers and Rockets.

Anthony Davis is out with an ankle injury, so instead of starting Bilal Coulibaly who started in Dybantsa’s absence, the Wizards have elected to start Ayton at center. This is part of the reason they brought him in last summer, so if he’s available in a redraft league, he could be worth a stream.

The Hawks clearly bothered him with their physicality where he missed several buckets around the rim. A lot of his recent value was coming from shooting 93% at the free throw line and he shot 1-of-4 in this game. He will have better performances than this and once he gets used to more of the NBA physicality, he’s going to be a really good player. His athleticism and size allow him to do things that very few players in the league can do.

Dybantsa has now scored at least 17 points in the first three games of his career. He also recorded three steals on Monday and has four steals total over his last two games. Dybantsa’s minutes have increased from 27 to 30 to 33 in his first three games. While his offensive game continues to round into form, he could be a difference-maker on the defensive end given his penchant for steals.

AJ has made an effort to work on his defense and his off-ball ability, and it has paid off in a big way. He hasn’t been nearly as ball dominant as he was in college, and the shot looks much better than it was at BYU. He’s already the third best player on the team and he will continue to climb up the hierarchy. Outside of Trae, AD, and AJ tonight, it was pretty rough from the Wizards tonight despite the win.

Just under two weeks after he sprained his ankle during a preseason game against the Pelicans, Dybantsa made his anticipated NBA debut on Wednesday. The Wizards rookie was ready for the moment, scoring nine points in his first stint, which spanned seven minutes. Dybantsa logged 27 minutes on the night, and he may hover around that number for a few more games. Bilal Coulibaly, who moved to the bench with AJ available, finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in 27 minutes off the bench.

Cleared to make his Wizards debut after missing the first four games with a sprained ankle, Dybantsa will start. Given the time missed, fantasy managers shouldn’t expect to see the rookie log major minutes immediately. Dybantsa’s insertion into the starting lineup pushes Bilal Coulibaly to the bench.

After missing Washington’s first four games of the season, Dybantsa will finally suit up for the Wizards. Assuming the ankle responds well to playing, he should make his home debut on Friday. Washington has already played this cautiously, so don’t expect Dybantsa to play 35 minutes immediately. He’ll likely be on a minutes restriction, and he may even come off the bench. Eventually, he’ll replace Bilal Coulibaly in the starting lineup, which could happen on Wednesday.

The 2026 No. 1 pick has yet to make his regular-season debut, but that could change against Cleveland. Justin Champagnie (foot) has already been ruled out, so Dybantsa’s return would be a welcome sight for the Wizards. If the top pick is ultimately ruled out, Bilal Coulibaly would likely remain with the first unit.