The opening stretch of the 2026–27 NBA regular season brought significant health news across several franchises Wednesday, highlighted by severe injury setbacks for two Western Conference contenders and positive medical clearance for the league's top draft pick.
Thunder & Timberwolves Face Major Absences
The Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed that guard Jalen Williams underwent successful surgery on his right ankle and lower leg, with medical staff projecting an extended recovery period. In Minnesota, star guard Anthony Edwards underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to address persistent discomfort, sidelining him indefinitely as the Timberwolves target a second-half return.
AJ Dybantsa Cleared for Wizards Debut
On a positive note in Washington, No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa has completed full-contact practices following a mild left ankle sprain and was officially cleared for his regular-season debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
