The betting favorites, according to Caesars Sportsbook, are Jaren Jackson Jr. (+100) and Evan Mobley (+130). Already, both defy the top-five defense rule. Jackson's Grizzlies rank seventh. Mobley's Cavaliers rank eighth. But both check the big man requirement, and both play for winning teams.

News of Victor Wembanyama's season-ending blood clot diagnosis shook the NBA world to its core. The Sporting News discusses how Wemby's injury affects the Defensive Player of the Year betting odds, and introduces you to the new best bets to win DPOY.

What to know: Many believe Wemby was robbed of the award last year, but it appears that won't be the case this year. A center or power forward has won DPOY 17 of the last 20 years. Kawhi Leonard won it in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and Marcus Smart won it in 2021-22. Wemby currently leads the league in blocks with 3.8 per game.

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With Wembanyama out, the NBA has a new leaderboard for the DPOY race at BetMGM. Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. is the odds-on favorite, followed by another agile big man then a trio of guards.