For the majority of the season, Victor Wembanyama was the frontrunner for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title, but his recent injury has reshaped the landscape completely. Post All-Star break, no clear frontrunner has emerged, leading to a split in the betting market between two candidates.
Let’s take a closer look at the frontrunners and refine our predictions for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for 2024-25!
NBA DPOY Betting Odds for 2024-25
The odds for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year listed below have been provided by Bovada :
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Evan Mobley (Cavs) | -130 |
| Draymond Green (Warriors) | +105 |
| Dyson Daniels (Hawks) | +1800 |
There are only three serious contenders you should consider betting on, based on NBA betting sites ! Evan Mobley (-130) has reclaimed the lead, moving back to the top spot after being in second during our last update on April 1st. With a 56.5% implied probability of winning this title, Mobley has established himself as the cornerstone of a team projected to secure at least 63 victories this season, finishing atop the Eastern Conference.
Next in line is Draymond Green (+105), boasting an implied chance of 48.8% . The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has significantly raised his performance in the latter half of the season, aided by Jimmy Butler's presence on the perimeter, although Green continues to be the defensive keystone for Golden State.
Dyson Daniels from Atlanta (+1800) is an underrated candidate for the 2025 DPOY odds, displaying extraordinary defensive prowess! His record of 229 steals during the regular season stands out. While his chances to win may be slim, betting on Daniels could yield impressive returns if he manages to secure an upset!
Before we dive deeper into the primary candidates and reveal my DPOY predictions for 2025, you can check out the odds at Bovada by navigating to Bovada > Basketball > NBA Awards and League Leaders .
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Current Favorite for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year
With “Wemby” out of the picture , the picture for DPOY has changed significantly. Let's assess the leading contenders and aim for a worthwhile return:
Evan Mobley (-130)
Evan Mobley, the forward for the Cavaliers, rightfully holds the title of favorite in the DPOY odds after an outstanding regular season contributing to their position as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. It's noteworthy how his teammates are vocal in supporting his candidacy.
Darius Garland discussing Evan Mobley’s DPOY prospects💀💀
"He doesn't argue with the referees... I could easily take to social media or a podcast to champion my guy,\" pic.twitter.com/x9QwZljMMI
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 9, 2025
Mobley has started campaigning for the award similarly to Green, with support from his teammates. They recognize his vital role in their defensive strategies, as he excels in rebounding with an average of 9.3 per game, is tied for fifth in blocks at 1.5, and also contributes 0.9 steals. When he plays, the Cavaliers have a NBA championship odds .
Mobley is 16thdefensive rating in 10 games, and an increase in that figure isn't favorable. Presently, Cleveland ranks eighth in defensive metrics at 111.1. defensive rating of 111.7 . Without Mobley, the defensive rating is 113.4 His versatility allows him to defend all positions on the court, a crucial asset in today’s NBA where teams frequently switch during pick-and-rolls. While the Cavaliers are solid defensively, Mobley is the linchpin making him an outstanding choice for DPOY!
Green has been remarkably effective defensively, which has helped the Warriors through challenging periods. They were positioned ninth in defensive rankings before the All-Star break, just behind Cleveland.
Draymond Green (+105)
Green Kudos to Draymond Green for being highlighted as the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month💪
The anchor. The enforcer.
Since the All-Star break, the Warriors have pic.twitter.com/gfASNJTlyQ
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 10, 2025
has played a major role in this improvement. Despite statistical indications, Green remains the defensive mainstay of the Warriors, averaging 6.1 rebounds—over three less than Mobley—along with 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks. third in defensive rating , and the trade of Jimmy Butler Green's defensive value showcases how he orchestrates their defense, similar to a point guard on offense. His odds present a reasonable potential return as well, since he was at -175 ten days prior. Green has had a spectacular season, especially in recent months, but is it sufficient for securing his second DPOY?
NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2024-25 Dark Horse
doesn’t cover every position on the court. At 6’7\" and around 200 pounds, Daniels lacks the bulk for post defense, but compensates with his extraordinary ability to suffocate shooters on the perimeter.
Dyson Daniels (+1800)
Unlike Mobley and Green, Daniels Dyson Daniels has now recorded the highest number of steals in a single season since Gary Payton in 1995-96.
This capability is increasingly valuable in the current era of the NBA, where play is heavily wing-oriented, leading to decreased post play. Daniels proves to be a relentless pest for anyone he guards, particularly crucial since Trae Young struggles defensively. The former New Orleans Pelican
Payton won DPOY that season. pic.twitter.com/A33FVAn5fw
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) April 11, 2025
averages 3.0 steals per game, exceeding Nikola Jokić's 1.2 for second place in Denver. leads the league in steals There is also a substantial argument for Daniels to be considered for Most Improved Player, as odds reflect! He has surged ahead of Detroit’s Cade Cunningham
. This is a notable shift compared to a month ago. NBA Most Improved Player odds Daniels may ultimately focus on that accolade, as it appears the DPOY battle will likely be between Mobley and Green. Nevertheless, Daniels is poised to be an intimidating perimeter defender for years ahead.
Predicting the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Potential Bets
I remain confident in my choice of Evan Mobley for NBA DPOY, even though his current odds at -130 are less appealing. The critical factor is that Mobley is the defensive bedrock of a team anticipated to win over 60 games and secure the top seed in the East.
While I acknowledge Green has had an impressive season, Mobley has consistently outperformed him. Evan Mobley remains my prediction for NBA Defensive Player of the Year at odds of -130 !
Where to Wager on the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Place your bets on the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season at Bovada ! Be sure to make your wager with a reputable and well-reviewed online bookmaker.
Whether you align with our NBA DPOY predictions or prefer to avoid them, Bovada has the most competitive odds available! Additionally, Bovada is currently offering an outstanding signup bonus for new customers.
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Apr 11th, 2025 3:04pm EDT NBA DPOY Betting Odds for 2024-25 Finn is a writer with over four years of experience writing under the alias Phil Bowman. An avid sports fan and bettor, he particularly enjoys soccer but is keen on any sport involving a ball, bat, or boxing gloves! His primary focus is helping bettors make informed decisions and gamble with responsibility. Finn is currently based in Europe.
ODDS
100% Evan Mobley (Cavs) -130 $1,000
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— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 9, 2025 NBA championship odds Mobley is 16 .