NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds 2027: Wembanyama Set to Defend Title

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award honors the league’s most impactful defender, a player who consistently disrupts offenses and anchors their team's defense. Victor Wembanyama enters the 2026-27 season as the overwhelming favorite to claim this title again after becoming the youngest and first unanimous winner last season.

Since Gary Payton’s 1995-96 win, only one guard, Marcus Smart in 2021-22, has won the award.

Wembanyama’s skill set includes rim protection, shot-blocking, perimeter agility, and defensive versatility, making him the player others will be chasing. Staying healthy will be key if he wants to repeat and build an impressive defensive legacy.

Top Contenders and Their Odds

• Victor Wembanyama | Odds: -350 | Implied Probability: 77.78%
• Chet Holmgren | Odds: +1200 | Implied Probability: 7.69%
• Ausar Thompson | Odds: +2500 | Implied Probability: 3.85%
• Rudy Gobert | Odds: +3000 | Implied Probability: 3.23%
• Evan Mobley | Odds: +4500 | Implied Probability: 2.17%
• Scottie Barnes | Odds: +5000 | Implied Probability: 1.96%
• Bam Adebayo | Odds: +5000 | Implied Probability: 1.96%
• Zach Edey | Odds: +6000 | Implied Probability: 1.64%
• Amen Thompson | Odds: +7000 | Implied Probability: 1.41%
• OG Anunoby | Odds: +7000 | Implied Probability: 1.41%

These odds reflect bet365's latest market as of August 5.

Leading Candidates Breakdown

Wembanyama is rightly the favorite. His unanimous win last year made history, and his unique blend of skills makes him the most feared defender. If he avoids injuries and maintains form, he could dominate the DPOY race for years. He also leads MVP betting odds.

Holmgren is next in line if Wembanyama falters. His length, timing, and ability to switch onto guards make him a modern defensive powerhouse. Playing on a top championship contender like Oklahoma City boosts his chances. Increasing blocks and helping the Thunder’s defense could move him closer to the award.

Thompson stands out as a compelling long shot. His athleticism and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions effectively. He generates steals and deflections that create transition opportunities. If Detroit improves defensively with him as a key piece, his odds could improve dramatically.

Barnes offers value as a sleeper pick. His size, strength, and versatility let him defend both perimeter and inside. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard could elevate his impact. A Raptors lineup featuring both could stifle opponents, making Barnes a worthwhile bet at long odds.

How to Understand NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Odds show how much you win on a $100 bet. Positive odds like +500 mean a $100 wager returns $500 profit plus your stake. Negative odds like -200 require betting $200 to win $100.

Who Votes for the Award?

A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes, ranking their top three candidates using a points system. The player with the highest total wins, usually announced during the playoffs in April.

Steps to Bet on NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Select a sportsbook and compare odds for the best value.
• Register and deposit, watching for welcome bonuses to reduce risk.
• Find the futures market under NBA awards.
• Pick your preferred candidates and place individual bets rather than parlays.
• Review and confirm your bets before submitting.

Strategies for Betting on NBA DPOY

• Preseason Portfolio: Spread small bets across 3-4 longshots with +2000+ odds. This diversifies risk and offers big rewards if one player breaks out.
• In-Season Monitoring: Track players’ defensive stats early in the season to spot those whose odds drop due to strong performance.
• Mid-Season Hedge: When a longshot becomes a favorite, place a calculated bet on their closest rival to guarantee profit regardless of outcome.

Betting Trends and Insights

• Most DPOY winners are centers or power forwards.
• Only one guard has won since 1996.
• Only four winners shorter than 6-foot-9 since Payton.
• Ten players have won back-to-back titles; some like Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert have won three or more times.

Past Winners by Position

• Center: 26 winners
• Shooting guard: 5 winners
• Power forward: 5 winners
• Small forward: 5 winners
• Point guard: 2 winners

Recent NBA Defensive Player of the Year Winners

• 2025: Evan Mobley (CLE)
• 2024: Rudy Gobert (MIN)
• 2023: Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)
• 2022: Marcus Smart (BOS)
• 2021: Rudy Gobert (UTA)
• 2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)

FAQs About NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Current Favorite for 2025-26: Victor Wembanyama (-4000 odds) with over 97% chance.
• Is Chet Holmgren Still a Contender? Yes, second favorite at +850 odds but only about 10.5% implied probability.
• 2025 Winner: Evan Mobley, averaging 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
• When Is the Award Decided? After regular season, announced around mid-to-late April.
• How Is the Winner Chosen? Media vote with a points system: 5 points for first place, 3 for second, 1 for third.