Comparison of NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidates: Draymond Green vs. Evan Mobley

• Draymond Green is now a -165 favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, while Evan Mobley has dropped to +135
• Green has helped lead the Warriors to the second-best defensive rating since the All-Star Break
• Keep reading for the updated NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds, picks and predictions, below

If you ask Draymond Green, he’s been slighted multiple times in the NBA awards market. Specifically, in the Defensive Player of the Year category.

Green took home DPOY honors in 2017, but hasn’t won since despite being one the league’s top lock-down defenders year after year. That could change this season, however, as Green has stormed the odds board.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Green is currently a -165 favorite in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds in what’s turned into a two-horse race. Evan Mobley is the second choice at +135, with none of the other four contenders listed shorter than +1400.

Odds as of April 1st. Claim the DraftKings promo code before making any NBA futures bets.

Green Soars to DPOY Favorite

Green was priced at 80-1 in this market less than two months ago. At that point, Victor Wembanyama was the odds on favorite, but a season ending injury derailed his chances to claim the award.

Following Wemby’s injury, Mobley became the overwhelming chalk with -205 odds. Green moved to +4200 on March 5th, and his price has been getting shorter every day since.

The Warriors rise up the Western Conference standings has been a driving force behind Green’s price change. Golden State is 18-5 since February 8th, ranking second in defensive rating over that stretch.

The improved play coincides with the arrival of Jimmy Butler. The Warriors were 25th in defensive rating before Butler joined the team, so it’s fair to question if he deserves some of the credit that Green seems to be getting.

Butler’s tenacity has rubbed off on his teammates. A second quality defender has taken some of the pressure off Green, freeing him up lock down the opposing team’s top threat.

The versatility of Green has always been his calling card, as he can guard bigs and guards alike.

The challenge with betting into the DPOY market, is there aren’t a ton of stats to measure a players performance. Stats like defensive win shares and defensive rating play a role, but they don’t tell the whole story.

As a result, voters often cast a ballot by the eye test, and no one is more active in his own end than Green. If you want to take a more numbers based approach however, you may want to target the value you can now get on Mobley.

The Numbers Favor Mobley

By the numbers, betting Mobley makes a ton of sense. He has a higher defensive win shares than Green (3.4 vs 3.0), and a better defensive rating (108.3 vs  108.9).  Mobley ranks higher in defensive rebounding percentage and block percentage, with Green beating him in the steals department.

Evan Mobley vs Draymond Green Stats

Part of the reason the shine has worn off Mobley, is the Cavs recent play. Cleveland is 4-5 in their last nine games, allowing 122+ points in five of their last eight.

Their schedule doesn’t get any easier down the stretch, with four games in the next 12 days against the Knicks and Pacers, two potential second round playoff opponents.

That being said, if Cleveland locks down their own end, Mobley’s stock will soar. The Cavs are only two weeks removed from a 16-game winning streak, with a few of those victories coming versus NBA Championship odds contenders.

Green and Mobley should priced evenly in this market. If Golden State slips, Green’s odds will suffer. I’d bet Mobley now knowing you have multiple outs. He can elevate and steal the award away, or the Warriors can decline.

There’s also a chance voters catch on to the fact that Green is getting too much love for Golden State’s resurgence, swinging the odds back in Mobley’s favor.

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors a player can receive in the league. This year, two standout candidates have emerged as frontrunners for the award: Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both players have had exceptional seasons on the defensive end, but they bring different skill sets and styles to the table.

Draymond Green is a seasoned veteran who has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league over the past decade. Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, Green is able to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands and high basketball IQ. He leads the league in steals and is a vocal leader on the court, constantly communicating with his teammates and directing defensive rotations. Green’s ability to switch onto guards and big men alike makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his impact on the Warriors’ defense cannot be overstated.

On the other hand, Evan Mobley is a rookie sensation who has taken the league by storm with his defensive prowess. Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7’4″ wingspan, Mobley has the size and length to contest shots at the rim and protect the paint. He leads all rookies in blocks and has shown a knack for timing his contests perfectly to alter shots without fouling. Mobley’s mobility and agility allow him to switch onto guards and cover ground quickly, making him a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions effectively. His shot-blocking ability and rim protection have been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ defensive success this season.

When comparing Green and Mobley as Defensive Player of the Year candidates, it ultimately comes down to their individual strengths and impact on their respective teams. Green’s experience, leadership, and versatility make him a perennial candidate for the award, while Mobley’s shot-blocking prowess and defensive instincts have been a revelation in his rookie season. Both players are deserving of consideration for the award, and it will be interesting to see how the race unfolds as the season progresses. Ultimately, the winner will be determined by their impact on their team’s defense and their ability to elevate their teammates on that end of the floor.