Dybantsa vs. Peterson Begins

The Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz will open the 2026 NBA Summer League in one of the most anticipated matchups of the event, as the top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft face off for the first time.

Salt Lake Tribune

Washington's No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, headlines the Wizards' Summer League roster and will make his highly anticipated debut against Utah's No. 2 overall selection, Darryn Peterson. The game tips off Thursday night in Las Vegas and is expected to be one of the marquee attractions of opening day.

The Wizards' roster also features promising young players Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Julian Reese and Jamir Watkins, while Utah will rely on Peterson alongside a talented supporting cast looking to continue the team's winning form.

Although Summer League results don't always translate to regular-season success, the individual battle between Dybantsa and Peterson will be closely watched by NBA fans and scouts. With two franchise cornerstones sharing the court for the first time as professionals, Thursday's matchup is expected to set the tone for both players' rookie campaigns.