NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds - Favorites to Win DPOY Race 2023-24

After Marcus Smart upended the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds last season, a different story unfolded for 2022-23, with Smart's price to win Defensive Player of the Year completely swallowed up by the big men who typically dominate this award.

Sportsbooks clearly sensed a return to order last season, with two defensive bacKBOnes standing head-and-shoulders above the rest.

In the end, Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.'s dynamic rim protection made too great of an impact to deny, and books are tabbing him as the NBA odds co-favorite to repeat as the 2024 DPOY:  

Odds to win 2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Player Team DraftKings
Jaren Jackson Jr. Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies +600
Evan Mobley CavaliersCleveland Cavaliers +600
Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Milwaukee Bucks +750
Bam Adebayo Heat Miami Heat +900
Anthony Davis Suns Los Angeles Lakers +1,000
Joel Embiid 76ers Philadelphia 76ers +1,300
Rudy Gobert Suns Minnesota Timberwolves +1,400
Brook Lopez Bucks Milwaukee Bucks +1,400
Mikal Bridges Suns Brooklyn Nets +1,800
OG Anunoby Suns Toronto Raptors +1,900

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook, August 16, 2023. 

Favorites to win 2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Jaren Jackson Jr. (+600)  

While reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. spent the first month of the season on the injured list, the Grizzlies' defense wilted, ranking near the bottom of the NBA.

When he returned mid-November, his dynamic rim protection (even amid rampant fouling) immediately transformed Memphis into one of the league's best defensive outfits, finishing the season ranked third in D-rating.

Jackson led the league in blocks by a nautical mile, while also topping all contenders in defensive rating. His galvanizing impact on the Grizzlies' defense only bolstered his case, and defense will be even more critical to the roster this season with Ja Morant suspended for its first 25 games.

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Evan Mobley (+600)

A precocious all-around deterrent, Evan Mobley's threatening to become the first player with three or fewer years' experience to win DPOY since Alvin Robertson in 1986. 

His Cleveland Cavaliers posted the league's best defense last season, and Mobley was a big reason why. Leading the league in defensive win shares, he also posted a Top-5 D-rating and provided some of the most versatile coverage of any big man, equally able to protect the rim, hound passing lanes, and close out on mobile guards. 

Mobley finished third in DPOY voting last season after not registering on the ballot his rookie season. Continued growth and experience could be enough to put him over the top. 

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Understanding NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds

Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. We'll use 2019-20's Rookie of the Year odds race as an example: 

As the season progressed, with Ja Morant having been a huge favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number: 

  • Ja Morant -500

This means that a bettor needs to wager $500 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such: 

  • Zion Williamson +650

Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered.

If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.

How is the NBA Defensive Player of the Year decided?

Individual defensive performance

The NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award primarily focuses on an individual player's defensive prowess: Their ability to disrupt opponents' offensive plays, defend against various positions, and limit scoring opportunities.

Statistical impact

Stats play a significant role in assessing a player's defensive performance. When evaluating potential candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year award, consider the following key statistics:

Blocks: Rim protection is a crucial aspect of a big man’s defensive ability. Look for players who consistently rank among the league leaders in blocks per game. 

Steals: Players with a high number of steals per game showcase their ability to anticipate plays, generate turnovers, and prevent opponents from scoring.

Rebounding: Rebounding is an essential defensive skill. Pay attention to players who excel in defensive rebounding, as it shows their ability to secure possessions for their team and prevent second-chance points.

Defensive rating (and other advanced metrics): Defensive rating quantifies a player's defensive impact by measuring the number of points allowed per 100 possessions while they’re on the court. A low defensive rating signifies a player's ability to limit opponents' scoring.

Consistency and durability 

Consistency and durability are key factors to consider when evaluating potential DPOY winners. A player who appears in a significant number of Games and doesn’t waver night-to-night is more likely to receive recognition.

Impact on team defense

While individual performance is crucial, a player’s impact on team defense is equally important. Look for players who elevate the defensive capabilities of their entire team. Analyze how a player's presence on the court affects their team's defensive efficiency, communication, and overall success. A strong candidate will anchor their team's D and make their teammates better defenders.

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NBA Defensive Player of the Year betting trends

Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on NBA DPOY:

  • This is historically a big man's trophy. Sixteen of the past 19 winners, and 31 of the 41 overall, have been centers or power forwards. 

  • No player since Alvin Robertson (1986) has won DPOY with three or fewer years of experience.

  • No DPOY winner's team has ever missed the playoffs.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year history

Year NBA DPOY winner
2022-23 Jaren Jackson Jr.
2021-22 Marcus Smart
2020-21 Rudy Gobert
2019-20 Giannis Antetokounmpo
2018-19 Rudy Gobert
2017-18 Rudy Gobert
2016-17 Draymond Green
2015-16 Kawhi Leonard
2014-15 Kawhi Leonard
2013-14 Joakim Noah
2012-13 Marc Gasol
2011-12 Tyson Chandler
2010-11 Dwight Howard
2009-10 Dwight Howard
2008-09 Dwight Howard
2007-08 Kevin Garnett
2006-07 Marcus Camby
2005-06 Ben Wallace
2004-05 Ben Wallace
2003-04 Ron Artest

NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds FAQ

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