NBA Awards Odds: Wembanyama Favored for DPOY, SGA Leads MVP Race
Early predictions suggest Victor Wembanyama is the top contender for Defensive Player of the Year, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner for MVP.
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, early odds and predictions are emerging for the league's top individual awards. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder leads the pack for Most Valuable Player.
The MVP race sees Wembanyama with +180 odds, followed by Luka Doncic (+425), Gilgeous-Alexander (+500), Nikola Jokic (+550), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (12/1). The award has seen a concentrated group of winners in recent seasons, with Antetokounmpo, Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Gilgeous-Alexander taking home the honor since the 2019-20 season.
Analysts note that Jokic's offensive impact, Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent superstar play, and Antetokounmpo's physical dominance make them strong contenders. The question for MVP remains whether Wembanyama can elevate his offensive game to match his elite defense. Historically, MVP voters have tended to favor offensive production and team success.
Potential dark horses like Anthony Edwards (20/1) and Cade Cunningham (25/1) are mentioned, but face challenges. Gilgeous-Alexander is considered the most logical preseason choice for MVP, aiming to become the first three-time winner since Larry Bird.
For Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama is the clear favorite at -350. His defensive impact is described as unparalleled, with opponents struggling to score against him. However, concerns about his games played criteria for eligibility persist, as he narrowly met the threshold last season and faced physical play from opponents.
Scottie Barnes is highlighted as a value bet for DPOY at 50/1, with potential to be more disruptive defensively due to increased freedom on the court and the addition of Kawhi Leonard to his team.
The Rookie of the Year race is expected to be competitive, with a talented class of prospects. Cameron Boozer (+300) is the early favorite, with Darryn Peterson (+340), Caleb Wilson (+350), AJ Dybantsa (+400), and Yaxel Lendeborg (+900) also in contention.
Caleb Wilson has seen a significant rise in odds and is considered a strong candidate. The Chicago Bulls may rely on him for scoring, and his preseason performance indicated a willingness to attack the rim and shoot from beyond the arc. His athleticism and potential for highlight plays give him an edge in reaching his rookie potential.