NBA DPOY 2025-26 Betting Preview: Odds, Favorites, Predictions

Wembanyama was in the driver’s seat to win the DPOY award last season before going down with a season-ending deep vein thrombosis (DVT) condition in February. Before “Wemby” exited the floor, he was a massive -2500 favorite to win DPOY!

The biggest takeaway from this is not to lay such massive odds, especially on future bets on awards that can end instantly. When it comes to this year’s defensive honors, I think it’s going to come down to the French star’s health.

If the 7’3” phenom stays on the floor and doesn’t have a recurring issue with DVT, then it’s highly likely Wembanyama will collect the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy. He’s a gigantic shout ahead of the competition, so it would only make sense.

WEMBY WITH THE MOST CASUAL BLOCK 😳

Didn’t even jump 👽 pic.twitter.com/RdDivjliIU

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2025

Additionally, Wembanyama has another year of experience and an offseason under his belt in the NBA. The 21-year-old should be closer to reaching his full potential this season.

Before his season ended, Wembanyama was averaging 8.4 defensive rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game! He also notched 1.2 steals per game to showcase a complete defensive game.

Even before arriving in the NBA, Wembanyama’s immense defensive talent was discussed often. Above his offensive skills, he was viewed as a monster on the defensive floor. Due to his height and insane wingspan, he makes it look too easy at times.

The “Alien” is set to be a considerable frontrunner and one of the most NBA Defensive Player of the Year picks!

I don’t know if you can classify Holmgren as much of a favorite at +600, but he is the second most likely winner. The 23-year-old Gonzaga product is entering his third season with sky-high expectations.

In the same draft class as Wembanyama, Holmgren was selected with the second overall pick behind the Frenchman. It was a smart pick by the Thunder, as Holmgren is an important member of the franchise now and will likely stay that way in the future.

CHET HOLMGREN’S 5TH BLOCK OF THE GAME!!

THE MOST IN A GAME 7 OF THE NBA FINALS (SINCE TRACKED IN 1974) 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hPtW8R97tu

— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025

He was an integral part of the Thunder’s NBA title run last season and is going to continue to play a big role this season. The power forward is only getting started, which includes his intelligence and talent as a defender. Holmgren doesn’t have the accolades or numbers to compete with Wembanyama, but he has a motor that doesn’t stop.

In 2024-25, Holmgren recorded an average of 2.3 blocks and 0.7 steals per game. He was also effective on the boards with 6.5 defensive rebounds per contest last season. Still, a lot of what Holmgren does defensively can’t be summed up on a stats sheet.

He’s a tremendous off-the-ball defender and is a major threat due to his length. Along with being an elite rim protector, Holmgren can defend on the perimeter and bother three-point shooters. There isn’t a limit to his defensive talent—he’s one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA.

If Wembanyama suffers another injury this season, Holmgren is in a great position to capture his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels is the most overlooked young player in the NBA. I don’t suggest looking past Daniels, who is a magician with his hands and forces teams to commit turnovers.

He led the NBA in steals with 229 a season ago, finishing with an impressive three steals per game, 1.2 better than Nikola Jokić in second! Getting lazy with the ball around Daniels typically meant it was heading in the other direction.

The 22-year-old eighth overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft has much more to offer as well. Daniels averaged 1.4 steals in 2023-24 with the New Orleans Pelicans before heading to Atlanta on a trade. He has flourished as a pesky guard with the Hawks, and I think Daniels will build on that season.

At +2000 odds, Daniels carries plenty of value as one of the best Defensive Player of the Year 2025-26 picks.

Evan Mobley captured the 2024-25 DPOY award to become the first Cleveland Cavalier to win. Mobley had a standout campaign on the offensive and defensive sides. However, it was Mobley’s presence as a defender that caught the eyes of voters.

At 24 years old, Mobley returns this season with another strong chance of getting into the Defensive Player of the Year hunt again. Mobley netted seven defensive rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He also finished with 0.9 steals per game, with Mobley an all-around solid player.

His real asset is contesting shots against all players on the floor. He can defend every position with his elite athleticism and versatility. It’s going to be tough for Mobley to defend his DPOY title, but at +2200, a flier is worth considering!