NBA DPOY Betting Trends: Wembanyama’s Season-Ending Injury Shakes Market
Sportsgrid Staff
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Victor Wembanyama Injury Shakes Up NBA DPOY Race
Victor Wembanyama was the clear frontrunner for NBA Defensive Player of the Year before suffering a season-ending blood clot issue in his right shoulder. Leading the league in blocks per game (3.8 BPG) while also averaging 11.0 RPG (9.2 DRB) and 1.1 SPG, Wembanyama’s defensive dominance made him a lock for the award. However, his injury has completely shifted the betting market at BetMGM, turning what was once a runaway into a wide-open race.
BETMGM PROMO CODE – FIRST BET OFFER UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
Line Movement (Before Wembanyama’s Injury → Now)
- Victor Wembanyama: -2500 → Off the Board
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: +3000 → -120
- Evan Mobley: +3000 → +120
- Dyson Daniels: +15000 → +700
With Wembanyama out, oddsmakers have adjusted drastically, making Jaren Jackson Jr. the new betting favorite, followed closely by Evan Mobley. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels has emerged as a dark horse with a major odds shift.
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Jaren Jackson Jr.: New Favorite to Repeat?
Jaren Jackson Jr., 2023’s DPOY, has seen his odds skyrocket to -120, making him the new favorite. While he doesn’t match Wembanyama’s rebounding dominance, Jackson is still an elite rim protector, ranking eighth in the NBA in blocks (2.2 BPG) while averaging 6.7 RPG and 1.3 SPG.
Jackson’s defensive presence anchors the Memphis Grizzlies, who remain a solid unit in the paint and rank 11th in opponents’ two-point rate at 57.1%. Jackson (2.5 Defensive Win Shares) is the best defender on the NBA’s highest-scoring team (123.1 PPG), helping them to the top spot in the Southwest Division and the No. 3 seed in the West. As a former DPOY, Jackson has a strong chance of winning again with Wembanyama out of the race.
NBA DPOY Highest Ticket% at BetMGM
- Victor Wembanyama 18.6%
- Evan Mobley 10.4%
- Dyson Daniels 7.5%
Evan Mobley: The Best All-Around Defensive Big?
Evan Mobley has surged to +120, just behind Jackson, as he continues to make an impact for a Cleveland Cavaliers team that ranks in the top ten in points allowed (111.7 PPG). Mobley is averaging 9.2 RPG (fifth among non-centers), 1.6 BPG, and 1.0 SPG, providing elite rim protection and versatility.
Cleveland’s defensive efficiency strengthens Mobley’s case—the Cavs rank top-five in opponent FG% at 45.4, largely thanks to Mobley’s ability to switch on the perimeter and protect the paint. His rebounding and 16th-ranked defensive win shares (2.6) status make him a strong alternative to Jackson, especially if the Cavaliers finish as the top seed in the NBA.
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NBA DPOY Highest Handle% at BetMGM
- Victor Wembanyama 28.0%
- Jaren Jackson Jr. 10.1%
- Evan Mobley 6.9%
Dyson Daniels: The Dark Horse Pick
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the market shift is Dyson Daniels, who has gone from +15000 to +700. While not a shot-blocking big, Daniels has excelled as a perimeter defender, leading the NBA in steals (3.0 SPG) and ranking in the top 20 with 2.4 defensive win shares.
His defensive activity for the Atlanta Hawks makes him a unique candidate, but historically, guards rarely win this award unless they completely dominate defensively. If Daniels maintains his elite steal rate and defensive impact, he could become the first guard to win DPOY since Gary Payton in 1996.
