The 2023 NBA All-Star Break is in the rearview mirror, meaning fans are turning their attention to the second half of the regular season. Basketball enthusiasts are dying to see which players will take home individual awards at the end of the campaign, including NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors.'
While anything can happen over the next few months, Jaren Jackson Jr. currently paces the league with -180 odds to be named DPOY on FanDuel Sportsbook. The Memphis Grizzlies' center is averaging a career-high 3.3 blocks per game and leads the NBA with a 10.8% block percentage. He also leads all Grizzlies with 2.5 defensive win shares.
The Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez – who turned back the clock this season – ranks second at +550 odds. Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat, +800), Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets, +950) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks, +2900) round out the top five.
Here's the closer look at the 2023 NBA Defensive Pla yer of the Year odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2023 Odds
|
Player |
Team |
Odds |
|---|---|---|
|
Jaren Jackson Jr. |
Memphis Grizzlies |
-180 |
|
Brook Lopez |
Milwaukee Bucks |
+550 |
|
Bam Adebayo |
Miami Heat |
+800 |
|
Nic Claxton |
Brooklyn Nets |
+950 |
|
Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Milwaukee Bucks |
+2900 |
|
Evan Mobley |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
+3900 |
|
Jarrett Allen |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
+4700 |
|
Joel Embiid |
Philadelphia 76ers |
+6500 |
|
Draymond Green |
Golden State Warriors |
+8000 |
|
OG Anunoby |
Toronto Raptors |
+8000 |
|
Robert Williams |
Boston Celtics |
+12000 |
|
Walker Kessler |
Utah Jazz |
+16000 |
|
Rudy Gobert |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
+24000 |
|
Mikal Bridges |
Brooklyn Nets |
+24000 |
|
Myles Turner |
Indiana Pacers |
+37000 |
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Prediction & Best Bet
While the odds can change as the season continues, I'm sticking with my gut (and oddsmaker) by siding with Jaren Jackson Jr. at -180 odds to be named the 2023 DPOY.
After all, Jackson has emerged as one of the NBA's premier defenders this season. He's also been solid, but he's taken things to another level. Not only does he lead the Association in total blocks and block percentage, but he's also the defensive rating leader with a 103.1 mark. For reference, he finished 10th last season with a 105.9 rating.
When Jackson is on the floor, opponents are only shooting 38.5% from the field on him in the paint. That number drops to 35.6% when it comes to mid-range opportunities. In other words, the Grizzlies have a better chance at stopping the opposition whenever Jackson is on the floor – wherever that may be – than they do without him.
Do Jackson's -180 odds provide a ton of value? No, but they're only going to grow shorter with each passing week. That's why it's important to hope on his odds while they can still provide a decent return.