When it comes to betting on basketball, it’s not just about NBA betting lines for individual games.
Prop bets and future bets have become very popular and when it comes to the NBA, you can wager on who will win season awards, including Defensive Player of the Year.
While the art of defense in today’s NBA can best be described as “optional,” there are still a handful of players who take pride on that end of the floor.
With the regular season winding down, let us delve into the current NBA betting odds for Defensive Player of the Year.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds
| Player | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Smart | Celtics | -190 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Grizzlies | +500 |
| Bam Adebayo | Heat | +600 |
| Rudy Gobert | Jazz | +1100 |
Marcus Smart -190
The heart and soul of Boston’s No. 1 ranked defense, Celtics point guard Marcus Smart has vaulted from +6600 as late as March 22 to now the odds-on-favorite at -190.
One of the league’s fiercest competitors, Smart does a little bit of everything from taking charges, creating deflections, and racking up steals, where he’s tied for fourth at 1.7 steals per game.
The 28-year-old has also helped maintain the C’s defensive intensity in the wake of center Robert Williams’s injury while being a vital component of Boston’s second-half turnaround.
Jaren Jackson Jr. +500
Earning the moniker “The Block Panther,” Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. now holds the second-best odds at +500 — improving from his previous +1800 less than three weeks ago.
Jackson sits tied for first in blocks per game at 2.2 (hence the name) while becoming one of the game’s more exciting all-around defenders.
The Grizzlies’ overall team success (second in the Western Conference) certainly helps his case as well.
Bam Adebayo +600
The odds-on-favorite two weeks ago, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has dropped to third behind Jackson and Smart at +600.
Miami went through a bit of a rough patch, which appears to be a sticking point for oddsmakers. However, they have since won five straight and it wouldn’t surprise me to see some late money come in on the Heat’s big man.
Mikal Bridges +700
I have been advocating for more love shown towards Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges and it appears that oddsmakers have finally listened, as the 25-year-old carries the fourth-best odds at +700.
The best defender on the NBA’s best team, Bridges wasn’t even on the board prior to the start of the regular season. Chris Paul and Devin Booker receive most of the attention, but Bridges has been a key cog in Phoenix’s dominance of the NBA.
Rudy Gobert +1100
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s slide continues, with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert sitting fifth at +1100.
It feels a little disrespectful as Gobert leads the league in rebounds (14.7 RPG) and ranks second in blocks (2.1 BPG). However, Utah’s overall defense has been far less stout this season, sitting 11th in defensive efficiency – a likely nail in the coffin for Gobert’s DPOY aspirations.
NBA Betting at BetMGM
Betting on NBA odds is the best way to add more excitement to the NBA season. From the preseason through the NBA Finals, you can bet on spreads, moneylines, player props, and more. Check out the online sportsbook to place a bet online today!
