The 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds have been updated recently, and the latest prices point to two potential winners! 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
The most recent NBA DPOY odds are courtesy of Lucky Rebel:
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama (SAS) | -275 |
| Chet Holmgren (OKC) | +275 |
| Rudy Gobert (MIN) | +1600 |
| Scottie Barnes (TOR) | +4500 |
| Amen Thompson (HOU) | +1250 |
| Ausar Thompson (DET) | +12500 |
| Bam Adebayo (MIA) | +12500 |
| Derrick White (BOS) | +12500 |
| Evan Mobley (CLE) | +12500 |
At the last update on January 6, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren (+275) was the favorite at -190 because San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama (-275) was battling injury. Wembanyama, who was off the board, is back and now has an implied probability of 73.3% to win the DPOY at NBA betting sites! Holmgren has dropped from an implied probability of 65.5% to 26.7%.
But these NBA DPOY odds are based on “Wemby” hitting the 65-game threshold required for award eligibility. Wembanyama is flirting with danger, as he can miss just three games for the rest of the season.
The only other players worth mentioning are four-time DPOY winner, Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert (+1600), and Toronto’s Scottie Barnes (+4500). Fun fact: the top five in the league in total blocks going into the All-Star break are Wembanyama (tied for first), Holmgren (second), Gobert (third), and Barnes (fourth). Tied with Wembanyama? Indiana’s Jay Huff, who you will not find on the board here.
However, if Wembanyama gets hurt, that could bring other candidates into the picture. These include the Thompson twins, Houston’s Amen (+12500) and Detroit’s Ausar (+12500). Reigning DPOY, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley (+12500), will also have a eye on Wembanyama’s health.
You can find these 2025-26 NBA DPOY odds at Lucky Rebel by going to Sports > All Sports (A-Z) > Basketball > A-Z > NBA Awards > Defensive Player of the Year.
NBA DPOY Betting Favorites
The favorites in the 2025-26 NBA DPOY odds come down to two players, who have one of the league’s best rivalries going!
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.
Victor Wembanyama can literally block anything. 🤯
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 8, 2026
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 -700 or -800, in my opinion, maybe higher! However, we don’t know what will happen by the end of the season, especially since the Spurs will likely prioritize his health over the opportunity to win individual awards.
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.
Chet Holmgren rotates for the huge help-side block on Nikola Jokić, Cason Wallace drills the three-pointer for his 23rd point on the other end
Via: https://t.co/8u8HVmOGYZ pic.twitter.com/dkxt4jCFa7
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 2, 2026
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!
NBA DPOY Betting Sleepers
These two players can step up if the top two either get hurt, or their form slips!
Rudy Gobert (+1600)
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.
Rudy Gobert block on Trey Murphy pic.twitter.com/mgCRKE6hOh
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 7, 2026
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.
Scottie Barnes game-sealing block on 7 foot Chet Holmgren. Will make All Defensive First Team this year and likely finish top 5 in DPOY voting.pic.twitter.com/VimZNw1yIZ
— jeffonsports (@jeff_on_sports) January 26, 2026
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.
2025-26 NBA DPOY Betting Prediction and Pick
This NBA Defensive Player of the Year betting prediction comes down to one thing: can Victor Wembanyama stay healthy for the rest of the season? Everyone knows he’s the most disruptive defensive force in the league. But it doesn’t matter if he can’t fulfill the 65-game requirement.
That said, I think “Wemby” missed some games over the first 54 games that he would have played if they were important. The Spurs are three games behind Oklahoma City going into the All-Star break. The #1 seed is in sight, and that would earn the Spurs, who are 19-6 at Frost Bank Center, homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. I believe they’ll be less cautious with Wembanyama down the stretch, as he looks healtht.
Therefore, I’m putting Victor Wembanyama in my NBA DPOY betting picks, and I think it’s a bargain. The -275 price is all about his health. If that wasn’t a factor, “Wemby” might be -700 or -800 to win this award, maybe higher!
Where to Bet on 2025-26 NBA DPOY Odds?
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