San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s season came to an abrupt end after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. The injury affects the Spurs’ playoff hopes and has significant implications for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race.
Wembanyama, the previous favorite to win DPOY this season, was having an historic year, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists per game. His shot-blocking ability and overall defensive impact had positioned him as the frontrunner for the award. However, the betting landscape has shifted dramatically since he will not reach the required 65-game threshold to be eligible for postseason honors.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Jaren Jackson Jr. is now the new favorite to win DPOY, with his odds at -115. Jackson Jr. has long been a top candidate, but his odds have improved significantly with Wembanyama out of the picture. Jackson, who has already won the award, continues to anchor the Memphis Grizzlies.
Evan Mobley, who has been a force defensively for the Cleveland Cavaliers, follows Jackson with odds of +150. Mobley’s ability to protect the rim and defend multiple positions makes him one of the most well-rounded defenders in the NBA, and he’s now positioned as a top contender for the award.
Other players with strong odds include Luguentz Dort (+1000), Dyson Daniels (+1800), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+3000) and Ivica Zubac (+3500). The DPOY race is now wide open, with several players stepping into the spotlight as potential candidates. However, there is a clear gap between Jackson and Mobley compared to the rest of the field.
Defensive Player of the Year Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
- Jaren Jackson Jr. -115
- Evan Mobley +150
- Luguentz Dort +1000
- Dyson Daniels +1800
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +3000
- Ivica Zubac +3500
- Amen Thompson +4500
- Jalen Williams +5000
- Rudy Gobert +6500
- Bam Adebayo +10000
