The 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds have been updated recently, and the latest prices point to two betting favorites! Another injury hampered Victor Wembanyama’s DPOY campaign, but he is back on top, just ahead of Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren
What does the latest landscape look like heading into the All-Star break? Let’s check out the betting odds, analyze the top favorites, and reveal my best NBA Defensive Player of the Year predictions.
NBA DPOY Betting Odds for 2025-26
Victor Wembanyama (-275)
At the top of the board sits Wembanyama, and it’s not difficult to see why. The San Antonio Spurs’ 7-foot-5 phenom currently leads the league in blocks and ranks among the league’s best rebounders. The 22-year-old Frenchman is a rare blend of size, mobility, and instincts that makes him a constant deterrent around the rim. His unique length allows him to impact shots that most defenders can’t even contest! He’ll play in his second All-Star game, and NBA All-Star odds have Wembanyama as the MVP favorite!
However, there’s a “but”: Wembanyama has missed enough games that he’s currently flirting with the 65-game threshold required to be eligible for end-of-season awards. That looming qualification question is one of the few shadows on what’s otherwise an outstanding defensive résumé. “Wemby” will have to play 25 of the Spurs’ remaining 28 games to be eligible. He has missed 14 of the first 54 games.
If he were a lock to play 65 games, Wembanyama’s NBA DPOY odds would be closer to -600 or -700, in my opinion, maybe higher!
Chet Holmgren (+275)
Next up is Holmgren, the Thunder star who is headed to his first All-Star game. At 7-foot-2, Holmgren provides a similar defensive anchor to his rival, Wembanyama. He is an elite shot blocker, combined with perimeter switchability rarely seen in big men. He’s been healthier than Wembanyama this season, and his presence alters opponents’ shot selection in the paint.
Holmgren’s critics argue that he’s simply not Wembanyama, which is an unfair, yet common, comparison. Furthermore, despite being among the league’s block leaders, his rebounding numbers haven’t climbed as high as many expected from a big of his size.
Still, his defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions give him a compelling chance. The 23-year-old OKC star could present some excellent value in his NBA DPOY odds!
Rudy Gobert (+1600)
Minnesota veteran Rudy Gobert brings proven pedigree to this race. The four-time DPOY winner and perennial defensive anchor has combined high block and rebound totals throughout his long career and remains a force in the paint. He’s consistently among the league’s leaders in both categories, a testament to his ongoing impact on the defensive end.
Where Gobert falls short compared to the younger stars is in perimeter defense. He can occasionally, but at 33 years old, Gobert can’t get out like he used to (which also wasn’t great). Modern award voters lean toward defenders who can guard both the paint and the perimeter. For example, look at Cleveland’s Evan Mobley last season.
While Gobert’s interior defense is elite, he doesn’t change the game on the perimeter the way Wembanyama or Holmgren can. But since he’s still a terrific rim protector, Gobert will always have a spot in the NBA DPOY odds.
Scottie Barnes (+4500)
Then, there’s Barnes, the Toronto Raptors’ Swiss-Army knife defender headed to his second All-Star game. Barnes doesn’t have the gaudy block and rebound totals that the other candidates boast. The 24-year-old currently ranks ninth in blocks. But what he lacks in counting stats he makes up for in versatility. Barnes can play against guards, forwards, and wings with equal aplomb, and he’s regularly tasked with defending the opponent’s best scoring option. His block on Holmgren to steal a win for the Raptors is one of the defensive plays of the season.
That said, voters have historically favored impact stats, like blocks and rebounds, when distributing defensive awards. Without eye-popping numbers to support his case, Barnes remains a longshot in these 2026 NBA DPOY odds. However, he is a uniquely intriguing option.
PREDICTION
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