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. Funny enough, that might be a key factor in the NBA MVP odds as well!

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.

If Wembanyama remains healthy, it’s within reason to believe that he will have -3000 in the second half of the season.

Victor Wembanyama effortlessly blocks Amen Thompson and grabs the ball off the backboard. 🤯

pic.twitter.com/rqFAPSHAiC

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 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. Through eight games in 2025-26, the French phenom has looked even more dominant.

Wembanyama has registered 10.5 defensive rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game! The manner in which he’s been doing it so effortlessly has been the most impressive part. Putting up four blocks a night is just another night at the office for him.

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.

Don’t expect the “Alien” to slow down anytime soon. The only thing that will stop him from likely winning Defensive Player of the Year is an injury. It’s always something to keep in mind, but the Frenchman is the clear frontrunner.

I don’t know if you can classify Holmgren as much of a favorite at +800, 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. While he might not do enough to attack the NBA Most Improved Player odds, he’s certainly in for the DPOY award.

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. Holmgren is off to a strong start, with an average of seven boards per game, 1.5 blocks, and one steal.

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’s no 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. Just keep in mind, that’s probably the only way, so you are essentially betting on Wembanyama missing extended time in the lineup.

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.

So far so good, as Daniels has collected 2.7 steals per game. He’s slightly off last year’s pace, but it’s a good bet to assume he’ll finish with roughly three by the end of the season. He’s developing into a much more well-rounded defender and does more than only swipe balls away from opponents.

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 his presence as a defender that caught the eyes of voters.

At 24, 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, making him 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. Through nine games, Mobley has made an impact, with 1.7 blocks and 1.8 steals per matchup.

Note that Mobley had +2200 NBA Defensive Player of the Year heading into the season opener. That has since dropped to +1500, as public sentiment is heating up behind his chances to repeat.

It’s going to be tough for Mobley to defend his DPOY title, but at +1500, a flier is worth considering!