Spurs' Wemby Suffers Season-Ending Injury; Jackson Jr. Favored Among NBA DPOY Odds
Written By Mo Nuwwarah | Published at February 22, 2025 NBA fans across the globe received crushing news on Thursday. Spurs superstar and resident alien Victor Wembanyama is out for the year after the team discovered DVT (blood clots) in his shoulder. How does the Wemby injury affect NBA odds going forward?
We'll take a look at two betting angles that were significantly affected.
Wemby Ineligible For Awards
The Wemby injury has drastically shifted the Defensive Player of the Year landscape. Before the discovery of the blood clot issue, Wembanyama was a prohibitive favorite in the market. He was around -2000 (~95% implied probability).
A year after finishing second in the voting, Wemby had accrued some impressive stats. He once again led the league in blocks (3.8 BPG, up from 3.6), racking up 1.1 steals per game, and his -9 defensive rating on/off differential was in the league's 98th percentile, per Cleaning The Glass. He had an airtight case.
None of that matters now because Wembanyama won't reach the 65-game threshold for postseason award eligibility. He was on track to clear that mark despite missing a few games, pacing for 72 appearances.
According to the market, that has cleared the way for another Jaren Jackson Jr. win:
Jackson is far from the sort of favorite that Wemby was before the injury. He also has an elite differential (96th percentile), though he doesn't boast Wembanyama-level steals and blocks. Memphis does have the No. 7 defense, per Cleaning The Glass.
The Thunder are also well-represented, with three players among the candidates. They have a historically great defense, but it's more team-driven when compared with Memphis and San Antonio.
One look at the odds above shows how a freak disruptive event like the Wemby injury can create possible value. Market prices vary wildly in some cases, making this an ideal time to line shop before prices settle.
Spurs Futures Bleak For 2025 After Wemby INjury
Before the Wemby injury, the Spurs were hanging around the periphery of the Western Conference playoff picture. Sitting 23-29, they certainly needed a hot streak.
However, they had a higher true talent level than that after making the De'Aaron Fox trade in early February. With Fox and Wemby forming the core of a theoretically threatening offense and the big fella anchoring the defense, one could imagine a path to the playoffs via the play-in.
The teams immediately ahead of Phoenix and Golden State haven't been lighting the NBA aflame. Eighth-place Dallas also looks like a slide candidate after Anthony Davis' injury.
Now, the Spurs' +550 playoff odds have them around 15% to get in. That looks optimistic since they have to pass two teams (3 1/2 games back) just to reach the play-in.
Recall Wembanyama's elite differential referenced above. Chris Paul is the only high-volume player on the Spurs with a better one, and given that he shared the court with Wemby in 16 of his 17 most common lineups, it isn't easy to separate the two.
Bettors can browse the best Spurs odds below.
Find the best sportsbook promos at the betting sites in your state below.
#
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Play
1
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2
Bet $5 & Get $150 Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost 21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
4
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
5
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins! Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
6
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins! GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
7
Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
