# Wizards Start With Dybantsa Injury

> Wizards coach Brian Keefe says first pick AJ Dybantsa will miss season opener with ankle injury.
- Title: Wizards Start With Dybantsa Injury · Washington Wizards On SI
- Summary: Wizards coach Brian Keefe says first pick AJ Dybantsa will miss season opener with ankle injury. Washington Wizards start with Bilal Coulibaly after first…
- Keywords: wizards, aj dybantsa, brian keefe, bilateral coulibaly, tre johnson, justin champagnie, nba, season opener, sports, Start, Dybantsa, Injury
- Source: Washington Wizards On SI — https://si.com/nba/wizards/onsi/who-do-the-wizards-start-with-aj-dybantsa-injured-for-season-opener-01m5d3dch2y9
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:01:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wizards, aj dybantsa, brian keefe, bilateral coulibaly, tre johnson, justin champagnie, nba, season opener, sports
## Dybantsa Injury
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe says first overall pick AJ Dybantsa will miss season opener with ankle injury.

> AJ Dybantsa (ankle) will not play in Wednesday's season opener, Brian Keefe said
## Likely Choices
Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson are the two main options to start in Dybantsa's place.
## Coulibaly Case
Coulibaly brings strong defensive skills and is a restricted free agent next summer.

> Coulibaly recently went past the extension deadline without a new contract in place
## Johnson Case
Johnson has fantastic shooting and off-ball movement with Trae Young.

> Johnson and Trae Young have proved to be a fearsome duo
## Fringe Option
Justin Champagnie can shoot from deep and finish around the rim.

> Champagnie has proved to this team he plays winning basketball
## Who Starts
Wizards will start with Coulibaly and bench Johnson or Ayton for home opener.
## Key takeaway

Washington Wizards start with Bilal Coulibaly after first pick AJ Dybantsa's ankle injury.