San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama remains sidelined with a calf strain, and the two-week absence is reshaping futures markets for the NBA’s major awards.
MVP outlook
DraftKings Sportsbook lists Wembanyama at 150-1 to win Most Valuable Player as the calendar flips to December. The 7-foot-4 center is averaging 26.2 points, a league-best 12.9 rebounds and an NBA-high 3.6 blocks while shooting 50% from the floor and 85% at the foul line. San Antonio sits 13-6, fifth in the Western Conference and on pace for 56 wins.
Despite the production, Wembanyama trails established stars in the market. Nikola Jokić leads the board at +145, followed by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+160) and Luka Dončić (+300). Longer shots include Giannis Antetokounmpo (35-1), Cade Cunningham (45-1), Wembanyama (150-1) and Anthony Edwards (200-1).
65-game requirement looms
League rules mandate at least 65 appearances for award eligibility, capping missed games at 17. Sunday marked Wembanyama’s seventh straight DNP. A return by week’s end would limit the total to 10, keeping him in the race. The NBA’s in-season tournament break from Dec. 10-17 further protects the count, but any setback beyond Christmas could push him past the threshold.
The Spurs and their rookie may emphasize long-term health over award pursuits, yet contractual ramifications exist: All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year or MVP honors can unlock super-max eligibility on Wembanyama’s next deal.
Defensive Player of the Year
The 20-year-old enters December at +350 for Defensive Player of the Year, second only to Chet Holmgren (+125). Evan Mobley (+600) and Amen Thompson (+900) round out the primary contenders. Bettors looking for value see upside if Wembanyama meets the games requirement, as his league-leading block rate positions him as a presumptive favorite when healthy.
Other award races
Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg holds the top spot at –110, with Kon Knueppel close behind at +120. Derik Queen (16-1), VJ Edgecombe (20-1) and Ace Bailey (100-1) are the notable long shots.
Sixth Man of the Year: Jaime Jaquez Jr. leads at +300, trailed by Reed Sheppard (+850), Ajay Mitchell (10-1) and Jerami Grant (12-1). Deeper options include Anthony Black and Anfernee Simons (both 30-1) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (40-1).
The wagering landscape will shift once Wembanyama’s return date is clarified, but for now the combination of elite production, team success and uncertain availability keeps his award odds firmly in long-shot territory.
Source: ESPN
