NBA Awards Tracker, Tuesday 21st March
Things are heating up in the Western Conference as teams try to solidify their position in the playoff picture.
But who will be the best in the west? Bet Nation takes a look at the likely contenders.
Brook Lopez
$1.62
Ok, so our first candidate is short. Really short. Potentially too short. But that’s what happens when you throw down with Trey Lyles after he messes with your own team’s superstar. Nobody gets physical with Giannis while Brook is around.
Only just kidding because Lopez has been a defensive weapon for the Bucks, leading the NBA in total blocks with 172. This goes nicely with his 15.5ppg and 6.7 rebounds.
His presence on the court is his biggest asset, with the Bucks improving from 14th defensively last season to one of the three teams below 110.0 points per 100 this season.
While he plays alongside a $23 fancy in Giannis, Lopez is clearly the key defensive pillar at the Bucks and has played a leading role as they’ve climbed into top spot in the Eastern Conference with 22 wins from their past 25.
Jaren Jackson Jr
$2.50
The other key player in the market is clearly Jackson Jr, who is currently quoted at $2.50 with Bet Nation. And given he’s been a picture of consistency while the Memphis world has crumbled around him – think Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke – Jackson Jr has only done his chances a whole lot of good recently.
The Grizzlies boast the second-best defensive rating of all teams (109.9), behind only Cleveland. Jackson Jr has been at the forefront of that masterclass with a league-high 3.1 blocks per game and a defensive rating of 103.7.
Add in his 6.6 rebounds and one steal per game, and Jackson Jr could clean up when the hype from Brook’s physical altercation wears off.
Evan Mobley
$51.00
The leading defensive player on the leading defensive team is trading at $51? Yeah, we’ll take that.
The Cavaliers have been sensational this season, with a 45-28 record and the best defensive rating in the league (109.6.)
The 21-year-old Mobley is coming off a four-block performance against the Wizards, averaging 16.2ppg, 8.9rpg and 1.4 blocks.
He switches out one through five, protects the rim, contests all the shots and forms an elite duo with Jarrett Allen.
There’s only a month to go to prove himself, but we’re happy to take $51 to find out how close he can get to the DPOY.
Nic Claxton
$176
Alright, $176 might be pushing it slightly, but geez, Claxton has been a defensive force through the 2022/23 season.
The Net’s big man ranks second for blocks in the league while pulling down 9.2rpg and 12.5ppg for 24 double-doubles.
Unfortunately, the Nets’ defensive rating is 113.5 (14th), but it’s through no lack of effort from Claxton who leads them for both blocks and boards. He’s put up 17 blocks in his last eight games, including two outings of four.
