2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds: Wembanyama The Favorite

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continues to be a defensive menace and is currently the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds board leader with a -185 price. It is Wemby's award to lose although the Cavs' Evan Mobley (+1100) and the Warriors' Draymond Green (+1100) are both in the mix.

Find more NBA DPOY odds below.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds

Player
Victor Wembanyama	-185	-200	-200
Evan Mobley	+1100	+1500	+1200
Draymond Green	+1100	+1500	+1000
Jaren Jackson Jr.	+1300	+900	+700
Dyson Daniels	+1300	+4000	+1400
Anthony Davis	+1800	+4000	+2000
Bam Adebayo	+1900	+2000	+2500
Rudy Gobert	+3500	+5000	+4000
Dillon Brooks	+4000	+5000	+3500
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	+4500	+5000	+8000
Jalen Suggs	+5000	+3000	+5000
Derrick White	+5500	+7500	+10000
Giannis Antetokounmpo	+6000	+7500	+8000
OG Anunoby	+6000	+15000	+10000
Tari Eason	+7000	+5000	+5000

2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year favorites

Victor Wembanyama was a -170 favorite when the season began, and he remains the clear favorite, sitting as low as -200 now.

Also near the top of the board (but still a looooong way away) is Atlanta's Dyson Daniels, who leads the NBA with more than three steals per game and was longer than 200/1 when the season started... but is now around the 10/1 range. 

Cleveland's Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Grizzlies are the only other players shorter than 20/1, followed by Lakers star Anthony Davis, Miami's Bam Adebayo, and Golden State's Draymond Green.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year betting splits

Per BetMGM, the current leader in bets (21.1%) and total handle (36%) for the award is Wembanyama, who has gotten 21.1% of all tickets and 36% of the total handle for the award. Meanwhile, the biggest liability remains Green, who was around the +6600 mark but has since jumped up to around 22/1.

Understanding NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds

Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. We'll use 2022-23's DPOY race as an example: 

As the season progressed, with Jaren Jackson Jr. having been a big favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number: 

• Jaren Jackson Jr. -150

This means that a bettor needs to wager $150 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such: 

• Brook Lopez +650

Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered on Lopez.

If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.

How is the NBA Defensive Player of the Year decided?

Individual defensive performance

The NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award primarily focuses on an individual player's defensive prowess: Their ability to disrupt opponents' offensive plays, defend against various positions, and limit scoring opportunities while creating turnovers.

Statistical impact

Stats play a significant role in assessing a player's defensive performance. When evaluating potential candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year award, consider the following key statistics:

Blocks: Rim protection is a crucial aspect of a big man’s defensive ability. Look for players who consistently rank among the league leaders in blocks per game and block rate. 

Steals: Players with a high number of steals per game showcase their ability to anticipate plays, generate turnovers, and prevent scoring opportunities.

Rebounding: Rebounding is an essential defensive skill. Pay attention to players who excel in defensive rebounding, as it shows their ability to secure possessions for their team and prevent second-chance points.

Defensive rating (and other advanced metrics): Defensive rating quantifies a player's defensive impact by measuring the number of points allowed per 100 possessions while they’re on the court. A low defensive rating signifies a player's ability to limit opponents' scoring.

Consistency and durability 

Consistency and durability are key factors to consider when evaluating potential DPOY winners. A player who appears in a significant number of games and doesn’t waver night-to-night is more likely to receive recognition.

Impact on team defense

While individual performance is crucial, a player’s impact on an elite team defense is equally important. Look for players who elevate the defensive capabilities of their entire team. Analyze how a player's presence on the court affects their team's defensive efficiency, communication, and overall success. A strong candidate will anchor their team's D, consistently guarding the opponent's biggest threat and enabling better defense from teammates.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year betting trends

Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on NBA DPOY:

• This is historically a big man's trophy. 17 of the past 20 winners, and 32 of the 42 overall, have been centers or power forwards. 
  
  
• No player since Alvin Robertson (1986) has won DPOY with three or fewer years of experience.
  
  
• No DPOY winner's team has ever missed the playoffs.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year history

NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds FAQ

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