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NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds, Picks, Predictions 2025: Wembanyama Strengthens His Lead

  • Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award

  • Evan Mobley is the top contender to win Defensive Player of the Year in 2025

  • Rudy Gobert won Defensive Player of the Year in 2024

There hasn't been much movement at the top of the odds table, as the Defensive Player of the Year race has mostly remained the same. At WSN, we're locked in on the race for the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, offering the latest odds, predictions, and analyses for the 2024-25 NBA season!

For the best NBA Futures bets, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season and playoffs! New sports bettors can use the top NBA sportsbook promo codes and bonuses before their favorite team tips off!

Victor Wembanyama tops the Defensive Player of the Year race, followed by top contender Evan Mobley. Jaren Jackson Jr. is challenging for his second Defensive Player of the Year award, as his Grizzlies have returned to their old form. Rounding out the contenders are the Thunder’s Canadian duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, two players who set the tone for the West’s best team.

Let’s check out the bets!

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Head to FanDuel to place your bets on the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

Also, check out our list of the best NBA betting sites for more betting opportunities.

PlayerTeamOdds
Victor WembanyamaSan Antonio Spurs-550
BET HERE
Evan MobleyCleveland Cavaliers+1200
BET HERE
Jaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies+1600
BET HERE
Luguentz DortOklahoma City Thunder+3000
BET HERE
Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderOklahoma City Thunder+4000
BET HERE
Rudy GobertMinnesota Timberwolves+4500
BET HERE
Bam AdebayoMiami Heat+4500
BET HERE
Dyson DanielsAtlanta Hawks+7500
BET HERE
Jalen WilliamsOklahoma City Thunder+7500
BET HERE
Anthony DavisLos Angeles Lakers+15000
BET HERE

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Pick

Victor Wembanyama has been the core of the Spurs’ success this season, on the offensive end but especially on the defensive side of the ball. The current block leader’s presence in all areas of the court is unmatched. With his size, intelligence, and athleticism, Wembanyama will surely be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate for the majority of his career.

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NBA Defensive Player of the Year Predictions Odds

Who Is the Favorite to Win NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025?

Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs (-550) at FanDuel

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGSPGBPG
2024-25SAS213633.124.410.81.14.0

Victor Wembanyama remains the standard for defensive play in the NBA this season. Wembanyama averaged 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals in four games last week despite losing three of four games. His best defensive showing came in a loss to the Grizzlies, posting 13 points, 12 rounds, and eight blocks in the first of a back-to-back.

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Who Are the Top Contenders to Win 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

Evan Mobley - Cleveland Cavaliers (+1200) at FanDuel

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGSPGBPG
2024-25CLE223830.218.68.80.91.4

Evan Mobley’s Cleveland Cavaliers are among the best teams in the NBA this season, anchored by his versatile defensive quality. Playing in three games last week, Mobley posted 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game before missing his next two with injury. Mobley doesn’t project to be out long-term, so expect him to be back in form when he returns to the court.

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Jaren Jackson Jr. - Memphis Grizzlies (+1600) at FanDuel

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGSPGBPG
2024-25MEM254129.322.66.41.51.7

Jaren Jackson Jr. has taken command on the offensive side of the ball for the Grizzlies this season, but his defensive contributions have not decreased. With back-to-back wins over the Spurs last week, Jackson Jr. went head-to-head with the DPOY favorite and didn’t fall short. Collecting four steals and three blocks in three games last week, Jackson Jr. remains a defensive threat even with an expanded offensive role.

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Luguentz Dort - Oklahoma City Thunder (+3000) at FanDuel

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGSPGBPG
2024-25OKC254129.110.04.31.10.7

Lu Dort is the defensive heartbeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dort is a gritty, under-sized defender who always draws the toughest perimeter matchup for the Thunder, and he’s performed admirably. While his countable contributions don’t always impress, his tenacity and willingness to cover his opponent's best player allow the Thunder’s defense to thrive without Holmgren available.

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Who Is the Dark Horse to Win 2025 Defensive Player of the Year?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder (+4000) at FanDuel

SeasonTeamAgeGamesMPGPPGRPGSPGBPG
2024-25OKC264134.131.55.32.11.1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes headlines with his scoring quality, but he’s no slouch on the defensive side of the ball either. One of the league’s most notorious pickpockets, Gilgeous-Alexander, has collected ten steals over the past week of play. He may not be among the league’s best on-ball defenders, but he’s among the best in the NBA as an opportunistic defender.

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Who Was the 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves won the 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. It was the fourth time Gobert had been awarded the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy, placing him with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the most winning players.

Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks on 44.6% from the field in his award-winning season. He also helped the Minnesota Timberwolves to the league’s top-ranked defense and the third seed in the Western Conference.

Gobert is now one of three players to win Defensive Player of the Year four times.

Are There Any Multi-Time Defensive Player of the Year Winners?

Ten players have won Defensive Player of the Year twice or more. Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, and Rudy Gobert lead the pack with four victories, but there are many more players to recognize.

Players to win Defensive Player of the Year multiple times:

Times WonPlayerYearTeam
4Dikembe Mutombo1995, 1997, 1998, 2001Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks
4Ben Wallace2002, 2003, 2005, 2006Detroit Pistons
4Rudy Gobert2018, 2019, 2021, 2024Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves
3Dwight Howard2009, 2010, 2011Orlando Magic
2Sidney Moncrief1983, 1984Milwaukee Bucks
2Mark Eaton1985, 1989Utah Jazz
2Dennis Rodman1990, 1991Detroit Pistons
2Hakeem Olajuwon1993, 1994Houston Rockets
2Alonzo Mourning1999, 2000Miami Heat
2Kawhi Leonard2015, 2016San Antonio Spurs

NBA Defensive Player of the Year FAQs

Does the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Receive a Prize?

Does Fan Vote Determine the NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

When Will the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winner Be Announced?

Who Won the First NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award?

Which Position Wins the Most Defensive Player of the Year Awards?

Who Is the Youngest Ever NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

Who Is the Oldest Ever NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

Which NBA Franchises Have Won the Most NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards?

Which NBA Franchises Have Never Won a Defensive Player of the Year Award?

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Christian Jope WSN Contributors

Christian Jope

NBA Betting Analyst

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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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