With Victor Wembanyama still sidelined, two OKC Thunder stars are putting a stranglehold on the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race. Last week, Cason Wallace surged to the No. 1 spot in the DPOY battle. Chet Holmgren also moved up to second place, dislodging Evan Mobley in the standings.While Wallace and Holmgren remain firmly entrenched in the top two spots, there is some movement in the rest of the list. Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels continues his strong push, moving another step up the ladder.The players in the top 5 are trying to put as much ground between themselves and the San Antonio Spurs center. Once Wemby returns, the 7-foot-5 Frenchman will likely re-start his onslaught at the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Power Rankings after Week 6#5. Mikal BridgesGP 4 | RPG 4.3 | SPG 2.0 | BPG 1.0Mikal Bridges, who broke into the top 5 last week, remains in the same spot. This week alone, the New York Knicks forward has tallied eight steals and four blocks. With OG Anunoby still recovering from a left hamstring strain, Bridges’ defensive value and impact have become crucial for the Knicks.#4. Evan MobleyGP 4 | RPG 10.8 | SPG 1.0 | BPG 2.0Evan Mobley, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, drops to No. 4 in the latest rankings. While his numbers have been impressive, Cleveland went 1-3 last week due to some poor defensive execution. The stretch included a 117-115 loss to the Boston Celtics, where the shorthanded Cs consistently attacked the rim despite Mobley’s presence.Still, dislodging him from the top 5 will be tough as he remains one of the league’s best and most versatile defenders.#3. Dyson DanielsGP 4 | RPG 6.3 | SPG 2.8 | BPG 0.0Like last season, Dyson Daniels is making another strong case for NBA Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He averages 2.3 steals per game and 5.4 deflections per outing, numbers that rank No. 1 in the NBA.Without multiple key contributors, Daniels’ work on defense has only gotten more important. Hawks Quin Snyder usually asks him to shadow the opposing team’s best guards and wings.#2. Chet HolmgrenGP 3 | RPG 8.3 | SPG 0.1 | BPG 1.3Chet Holmgren ranks fifth in defensive win shares (0.183) and seventh in defensive rating (102.5). Holmgren’s 1.4 bpg almost looks underwhelming until one sees him protect the paint. Opponents sometimes refuse to attempt a shot with the 7-foot-1 forward lurking around.With Victor Wembanyama limited due to injuries, Chet Holmgren is the favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.#1. Cason WallaceGP 3 | RPG 4.3 | SPG 1.3 | BPG 0.1Cason Wallace is second in steals (2.2 spg) and third in deflections per game (5.1). Among players averaging over 27.0 minutes per outing, he leads everyone in defensive rating.Some of Wallace's impact can't even be tracked. There are no metrics for how he denies possession, clogs the paint, cuts off the passing lane and forces the best perimeter players to give up the ball.Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley and Victor Wembanyama are the favorites to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Almost two months into the season, Cason Wallace is making a strong case to pull the rug from under them.