2027 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds: Wembanyama Favored Again

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award honors the league's most impactful defender each season. It celebrates players who consistently disrupt offenses and serve as defensive anchors for their teams.

Since Gary Payton’s win in the 1995-96 season, only one guard has earned the award: Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics in 2021-22.

Victor Wembanyama stands out as the clear favorite to claim the title again. He became the youngest player ever to win the award last season, earning it unanimously. His blend of rim protection, shot-blocking, perimeter agility, and defensive versatility puts him in a class of his own. As long as he stays healthy, he looks set to dominate this race for years ahead.

2027 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds (bet365, Aug 5)

Victor Wembanyama: -350 (77.78% implied probability)
Chet Holmgren: +1200 (7.69%)
Ausar Thompson: +2500 (3.85%)
Rudy Gobert: +3000 (3.23%)
Evan Mobley: +4500 (2.17%)
Scottie Barnes: +5000 (1.96%)
Bam Adebayo: +5000 (1.96%)
Zach Edey: +6000 (1.64%)
Amen Thompson: +7000 (1.41%)
OG Anunoby: +7000 (1.41%)

Top Contenders in Detail

Victor Wembanyama, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, is the overwhelming favorite. Last season, he made history with a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year win as the youngest recipient ever. His ability to protect the rim, block shots, and guard multiple positions sets him apart. If he remains healthy throughout the 2026-27 season, repeating as champion seems likely.

Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the main challenger. His length, timing, and skill in rim protection combined with perimeter defense make him a natural defensive leader. The Thunder’s strong championship outlook boosts his chances, since team defense often influences voters. If Holmgren improves his blocks and helps the Thunder rank among the best defensive teams, he could threaten Wembanyama's dominance.

Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons offers intriguing sleeper value. His athleticism and quickness enable him to guard several positions and create steals and deflections. If Thompson continues developing, he could become a major defensive disruptor and outpace current odds.

NBA DPOY Sleeper Pick: Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes from the Toronto Raptors combines size, strength, and versatility, capable of guarding various positions both inside and on the perimeter. If paired effectively with Kawhi Leonard, their combined defense could challenge opponents heavily. At +5000 odds, Barnes represents an interesting longshot if the Raptors boost their defensive profile.

How NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds Work

Odds show potential profit on a $100 bet. Positive odds like +500 mean a $100 wager returns $500 plus the stake. Negative odds such as -200 require a $200 bet to win $100.

Who Votes for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes after the regular season, ranking their top three candidates. Points are assigned (five for first place, three for second, one for third), and the player with the highest total wins. The announcement usually happens during the playoffs in April.

Betting on the NBA Defensive Player of the Year: A Five-Step Guide

Compare odds across sportsbooks to find the best value for your picks.
Sign up and deposit funds, considering welcome bonuses to stretch your bankroll.
Find the futures market under NBA → Futures → Awards → Defensive Player of the Year.
Select your bets, focusing on 3-4 players and placing individual straight bets rather than parlays.
Review and place your bets, confirming your choices and stakes before submitting.

Three Betting Strategies to Consider

Preseason Portfolio: Spread small bets on several longshots (+2000 or higher) early to maximize potential payouts.
In-Season Monitoring: Track breakout performances from October to December to spot rising contenders and shifting odds.
Mid-Season Hedge: When a longshot becomes a favorite, hedge by betting their closest rival to secure profit regardless of outcome.

Defensive Player of the Year Trends

Most winners play center or power forward.
Only one guard has won since 1996: Marcus Smart in 2021-22.
Few winners are under 6-foot-9 tall.
Ten players have won back-to-back titles, including Dwight Howard who won three in a row.
Rudy Gobert was the last repeat winner in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Gobert, Howard, Ben Wallace, and Dikembe Mutombo have won at least three times.

Winners by Position

Center: 26 winners
Shooting guard: 5 winners
Power forward: 5 winners
Small forward: 5 winners
Point guard: 2 winners

Recent NBA Defensive Player of the Year Winners

2025: Evan Mobley (CLE)
2024: Rudy Gobert (MIN)
2023: Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)
2022: Marcus Smart (BOS)
2021: Rudy Gobert (UTA)
2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)

FAQs About NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Who is the favorite for 2025-26? Victor Wembanyama (-4000 odds) leads with a 97.56% chance.
Is Chet Holmgren still a contender? Yes, he’s second favorite at +850, with about a 10.53% chance.
Who won in 2025? Evan Mobley of Cleveland averaged 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
When is the award decided? Voting happens after the regular season; winner announced around April during playoffs.
How is the winner chosen? Media members vote ranking three players; points determine the champion, not just first-place votes.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds 2027: Wembanyama Poised to Dominate Again