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

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award honors the league’s premier defender each season, spotlighting players who consistently disrupt opposing offenses and serve as defensive anchors for their teams.

Since Gary Payton's win after the 1995-96 season, only one guard—Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics in 2021-22—has claimed the title.

Victor Wembanyama enters the 2026-27 season as the favorite to repeat, having been the youngest player ever to win it unanimously last year. His unique blend of rim protection, shot blocking, agility on the perimeter, and versatility positions him as the top defensive force in the NBA. If he remains healthy, Wembanyama looks set to dominate this award race for several years.

2027 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds

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

Odds provided by bet365 as of August 5.

Favorites to Watch

San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (-350)

Wembanyama’s unanimous win last season marked him as a historical figure in defensive accolades, becoming both the youngest recipient and the first unanimous winner ever. His impact spans elite rim defense, shot blocking, and the ability to guard multiple positions. The betting odds reflect his dominance and suggest he is the player to beat if he plays a full season injury-free.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren (+1200)

Holmgren stands as the closest threat to Wembanyama. His length and timing allow him to protect the rim effectively while switching onto smaller guards. Oklahoma City’s standing as a championship contender also boosts his chances, since strong team defense often correlates with Defensive Player of the Year success. If Holmgren can increase his blocks and help the Thunder climb defensive rankings, he could become the frontrunner.

Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson (+2500)

Thompson offers intriguing sleeper value with his explosive athleticism and quickness. His ability to guard multiple spots and create turnovers has made him a disruptive perimeter defender. If his development continues upward and Detroit improves defensively, Thompson could outshine his current longshot odds.

Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes (+5000)

Barnes is a versatile defender capable of guarding several positions thanks to his size and strength. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard could amplify Toronto’s defensive presence. If that lineup materializes and the Raptors rise among the league's defensive elites, Barnes represents an excellent value pick at his long odds.

Understanding NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Odds appear as positive or negative numbers. Positive odds (like +500) indicate potential profit from a $100 wager—for instance, a $100 bet at +500 returns $600 total. Negative odds (such as -200) show how much you must bet to win $100.

Who Votes for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

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

How to Bet on NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Choose a sportsbook and compare odds: Different books may offer varying prices for longshots, affecting potential returns.
• Sign up and fund your account: Look for welcome bonuses to reduce initial risk.
• Find the futures market: Typically under NBA > Futures > Awards > Defensive Player of the Year.
• Select bets and stakes: Pick 3-4 longshots and place individual straight bets rather than parlays.
• Review and place bets: Confirm selections and stakes before finalizing.

Strategies for Betting on NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Preseason portfolio: Place small bets on several longshots early to maximize potential payout through diversification.
• In-season monitoring: Track performances closely to spot players whose odds shorten due to breakout play.
• Mid-season hedging: Use hedge bets on top contenders to secure guaranteed profits regardless of the final outcome.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Betting Trends

• Most winners are big men playing center or power forward.
• Since 1995-96, only Marcus Smart, a guard, has won the award.
• Only four winners shorter than 6-foot-9 have earned the title since Gary Payton.
• Ten players have won back-to-back awards, including Dwight Howard who won three straight from 2008-11.
• Recent repeat winners include Rudy Gobert (2017-18, 2018-19).
• Gobert, Howard, Ben Wallace, and Dikembe Mutombo have each won at least three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Previous Winners by Position

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

Recent Defensive Player of the Year Recipients

• 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

• Who is the favorite for 2025-26 DPOY? Victor Wembanyama leads with -4000 odds, implying a 97.56% chance.
• Is Chet Holmgren still a contender? Yes, he is second favorite at +850, with a 10.53% chance.
• Who won in 2025? Evan Mobley, averaging 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
• When is the award decided? Voting occurs after the regular season; results are announced mid-to-late April.
• How is the winner chosen? Media members vote with a points system: 5 points for first place, 3 for second, 1 for third; highest total wins.