PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges nears top of NBA’s DPOY betting odds

Apr 2, 2022, 9:34 AM

It is no secret that Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges is one of the best defenders in the NBA, but the betting odds currently have him with the third-best chance to steal the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title.

FanDuel Sportsbook gives Bridges +390 odds, just behind Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart at +135 and Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo at +270.

The Suns have the second best defensive rating in the NBA at 106.6, only behind the Golden State Warriors’ mark of 106.1, according to NBA.com.

Bridges is normally assigned to the opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis and currently ranks third on the team in steals with 1.2 per game.

The do-it-all forward also ranks first in the league for minutes played at 2,736 and second for defensive distance covered per game at 1.3 miles.

He also has played in every single game for Phoenix since he was drafted in 2018 with five games remaining this season.

He currently sits ahead of Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert, Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

Gobert has taken home three of the last four awards, while Antetokounmpo won once.

No Phoenix player has ever been given the award since its birth in the 1982-83 season.

Phoenix Suns

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, drives around Phoenix Suns forward Torr...
Kevin Zimmerman

What’s at stake in each of the Suns’ remaining games?

Kevin Durant's potential return from an ankle injury after a reevaluation sits a week out for the Phoenix Suns.
24 hours ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket past Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns collapse in 4th quarter of road loss to Thunder

The Suns were in control for most of Sunday's game against the Thunder but bad turnovers eventually caught up to them.
3 days ago
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)...
Wills Rice

Landry Shamet plays well in Suns return, loss to Thunder

The Suns collapsed late in the 124-120 loss to the Thunder on Sunday in guard Landry Shamet's return after missing 25 games to a heel injury.
3 days ago
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Landry Shamet #14 after scoring against the Washin...
Arizona Sports

Suns rule Deandre Ayton out, Landry Shamet probable vs. Thunder

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton will not suit up Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a right hip contusion.
4 days ago
Radio broadcaster Al McCoy following the NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunde...
Arizona Sports

Phoenix Suns’ 2022-23 season will be Al McCoy’s last

This Phoenix Suns season will be the last for legendary broadcaster Al McCoy as the team's play-by-play voice on Arizona Sports 98.7.
5 days ago
Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns blocks a shot by Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during t...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns hold on vs. Magic to snap 3-game losing streak

Sometimes getting that win to end a skid is like pulling teeth, and it was like that for the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
6 days ago
Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges nears top of NBA’s DPOY betting odds