​The top two picks from last month’s NBA draft are set to collide on Thursday night as the Washington Wizards, led by first overall selection AJ Dybantsa, take on Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This game features a marquee showdown between two of the league’s most talked-about newcomers, with both teams stacking depth and talent around their prized rookies.
Dybantsa made waves in his lone college season at BYU, posting impressive averages of 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while earning consensus All-America honors and securing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Washington anchors its roster with another strong rookie presence in 2025 first-round guard Tre Johnson and 2025 first-round forward Will Riley, complemented by 2026 second-rounder Felix Okpara from Tennessee. The Wizards also added two-way contributors Julian Reese and Jamir Watkins to the Las Vegas squad, along with unrestricted free agent Kadary Richmond, who appeared in three 10-day games for Washington in February. In this matchup, Dybantsa will be flanked by veteran stars and a familiar supporting cast designed to maximize his impact from day one.
Peterson has been turning heads in Summer League play, most notably the Salt Lake slate where he dropped 53 points and handed out 14 assists across two games, shooting 19-of-36 overall and 7-of-16 from three-point range. Utah’s roster also features Ace Bailey, Utah’s 2025 lottery pick, who arrives in Las Vegas after a rookie season that averaged 13.8 points per game. Peterson himself averaged 20.2 points per game during his freshman year at Kansas before a string of injuries limited his college appearances to 24 games. The Jazz will lean on Peterson’s scoring potential as they pair him with a frontcourt led by Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom bring elite experience and versatility to the position.
Washington’s lineup around Dybantsa blends youth with established production. The roster is anchored by Anthony Davis and Trae Young, two veterans who will share the floor with Dybantsa and further elevate the Wizards’ ceiling. Washington also welcomed back Khris Middleton in a sign-and-trade deal, adding veteran leadership and playoff experience to the mix. The presence of Alex Sarr, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick, adds a modern big-man dimension to the Wizards’ core as they aim to contend in the coming seasons.
This matchup promises a high-stakes, high-energy duel between two teams eager to prove they made the right call at the top of the draft. Dybantsa versus Peterson is more than a showcase of rookie talent; it’s an early-season test of how each franchise has built around its cornerstone and how quickly these young stars can translate potential into wins. Don’t miss the action this Thursday night, when the Wizards and Jazz square off in a game that could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
Where to watch and streaming options: The game airs on ESPN and Jazz+ and will be available for live streaming on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, July 9, 2026. If you’re hoping to catch every moment, Fubo provides access to nationally televised games on ESPN and NBA TV, along with regional coverage to keep tabs on both teams throughout the season. Note that regional restrictions may apply for streaming.
For readers seeking additional context on the teams’ offseason moves and draft outcomes, the Wizards entered the summer with a strong blend of youth and proven production, reinforcing their core with Dybantsa and a supporting cast designed to maximize his impact. Utah, meanwhile, has built around a star-studded frontcourt and a young, dynamic backcourt, aiming to accelerate its rebuild with immediate contributions from Peterson and other young talents. This game will offer an early read on how both franchises have translated the offseason chatter into on-court results.
Live streaming details: You can stream Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. Fubo carries ESPN and NBA TV, providing comprehensive coverage of the game and other season-long NBA action. Regional restrictions may apply.
Minimally, this game is a premier early-season test for two exciting rookies and two ambitious franchises. It’s a night you won’t want to miss as Dybantsa and Peterson take center stage in what could be a defining moment for their teams’ trajectories. Stay tuned for what promises to be a compelling, competitive showdown in Las Vegas.