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.

Fanatics Sportsbook announced that even though Victor Wembanyama is out for the season and won't be eligible for Defensive Player of the Year, they will be paying his bets for this award as a winner.

Tragic news struck the NBA on Thursday when it was revealed that bright young San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyma would miss the rest of the season with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. That is, of course, a blood clot and is appropriately being taken seriously by the Spurs as they shut down the face of their franchise.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. currently has the best odds to win the award at -125 (bet $125 to win $100), per FanDuel Sportsbook. Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers owns the second-best odds at -110.