NBA DPOY Odds and Predictions for 2026: Can Anyone Challenge Wembanyama?
The 2026-27 NBA season is approaching, and few award races begin with a favorite as overwhelming as Defensive Player of the Year. Victor Wembanyama enters the season as the clear player to beat, and the latest NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds reflect just how wide the gap is between him and the rest of the field. He's also the early NBA MVP favorite as well.
The San Antonio Spurs superstar sits at -350 at BetMGM, while Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren has the second-shortest odds all the way out at +1200. Ausar Thompson (+2500), Rudy Gobert (+3000), Bam Adebayo (+4000), Evan Mobley (+5000) and Scottie Barnes (+5000) are among the other notable names.
But this market ultimately comes down to two very different bets.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds
Here's the reality: If Wembanyama is healthy and reaches the 65-game threshold required to be eligible for NBA awards, he's going to be extremely difficult to beat. He just became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year winner in NBA history and the first unanimous winner of the award. Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks for the third consecutive season at 3.1 per game and helped San Antonio finish third in defensive rating.
He's already a generational defensive talent with a chance to eventually establish himself among the greatest defenders the league has ever seen. That's why -350 on most sports betting apps doesn't feel as prohibitive as it might initially appear.
You're essentially making a bet on Wembanyama's health and availability. He finished last season right around the 65-game eligibility threshold, so there's obviously risk involved, but if he gets there again, it's difficult to imagine somebody producing a significantly stronger defensive case.
Chet Holmgren at +1200 and Ausar Thompson at +2500 are logical alternatives. Holmgren was a finalist for the award last season, while Thompson earned All-Defensive First Team honors and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Still, neither offers enough value for me to move away from Wembanyama if I'm betting one of the favorites.
Best NBA Defensive Player of the Year Bets
The more interesting approach may be betting Wembanyama while also taking a long shot who could capitalize if he doesn't reach 65 games. That's where Scottie Barnes at +5000 jumps off the board.
Barnes was already one of the league's most productive and versatile defenders last season. He averaged 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks while playing 80 games, becoming the only NBA player to record at least 100 steals and 100 blocks. His 230 combined steals and blocks ranked second in the league behind only Wembanyama.
Now his circumstances could make his defensive impact even more visible.
Toronto is expected to be a contender again after reacquiring Kawhi Leonard, which should put significantly more attention on the Raptors throughout the season. That matters in an awards race where visibility, team success and narrative can all play roles alongside individual production.
Barnes also has the versatility to build an interesting case. He can defend across the positional spectrum, create turnovers, protect the rim and take difficult assignments on the perimeter. He made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season, so his ability on that end is hardly a secret. But playing meaningful basketball on a Raptors team with championship expectations could elevate his profile considerably.
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds make this a unique market because there's one overwhelming favorite and then massive payouts available everywhere else.
Best Bets: Victor Wembanyama (-350 at BetMGM) and Scottie Barnes (+5000 at BetMGM)
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win 
170,000 GC + 7 SC Wembanyama is the straightforward play. If he reaches 65 games, he has a tremendous chance to repeat.
Barnes is the hedge with upside. At +5000, it doesn't require much exposure to create a significant payout if Wembanyama misses the eligibility threshold and the award race suddenly opens up. Among the longer NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds, Barnes offers one of the most intriguing combinations of production, versatility, team success and potential visibility
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NBA DPOY Odds and Predictions for 2026: Can Anyone Challenge Wembanyama?
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