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Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo Lead Opening NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds for 2022-23 Season

By Peter Dewey

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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The NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award went East last season, as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart became the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season.

Has Smart finally opened the door for guards and wings to get back into the conversation each season? The latest odds don’t suggest that, as five big men lead the way, including Rudy Gobert, who has won three of the last five DPOY awards. 

While the top contenders are expected, I also have a dark horse pick that may be worth betting before the regular season kicks off next week. First, let’s get into the odds: 

Odds to Win NBA Defensive Player of the Year

  • Rudy Gobert: +400
  • Bam Adebayo: +750
  • Robert Williams: +800
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: +850
  • Draymond Green: +900
  • Mikal Bridges: +1200
  • Anthony Davis: +1400
  • Marcus Smart: +1400
  • Evan Mobley: +1600
  • Ben Simmons: +1800
  • Joel Embiid: +1800
  • Jaren Jackson Jr.: +2000
  • Jrue Holiday: +2800
  • Jarrett Allen: +3000
  • Myles Turner: +4000
  • Alex Caruso: +4000
  • Matisse Thybulle: +4000
  • Scottie Barnes: +4000
  • Herb Jones: +5000

Ben Simmons is Dark Horse to Win Defensive Player of the Year

Here we go again, Ben Simmons is back. 

Simmons, who finished second in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year in the 2020-21 season, is back after missing the entire 2021-22 season with a back injury. 

Simmons, when healthy, is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA, as he can stay with guards and wings on the perimeter as well as switch on to big men when needed. With the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons is going to play a major defensive role alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 

If the Nets make a step in the right direction this season, and Simmons stays healthy, what’s stopping him from returning to his place as one of the league's best defenders?

Simmons has made two All-Defensive teams in his career, and could be in line for a third. At +1800, he is a solid bet to win this award, given how close he was the last time he played.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

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