The Oklahoma City Thunder are having a great year on both ends of the floor. So much so, their star player is in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Defensive Player of the Year race sees an unexpected turn with Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder emerges as a strong contender, demonstrating his defensive prowess alongside his scoring ability,

With Victor Wembanyama out, Oklahoma City Thunder have chance to bring home Defensive Player of the Year award.

Dort, standing at 6-foot-4 and 220 lbs, has been the focal point of the OKC Thunder's top-rated defense this season. He currently sits in third place in the DPOY race with odds of +1500 per FanDuel Sportsbook. He is joined by teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as one of the top six contenders per the oddsmakers.

Victor Wembanyama's injury has shaken up the Defensive Player of the Year race. Here is where the Oklahoma City Thunder's trio now stands in the latest odds.

On Thursday, the NBA world was shocked to learn that Victor Wembanyama would be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season due to deep vein thrombosis in

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneualt led Gilgeous-Alexander and Chuck’s Global Stars. Wembanyama, in his first of many future All-Star selections, put forth great effort throughout the night. It didn’t go unnoticed as the young star’s career unfolded in a competitive Western Conference.

From an individual standpoint, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is continuing to build his MVP resume after finishing as the runner-up to Nikola Jokic one season ago. Gilgeous-Alexander also just happened to finish his third All-Star Game this past weekend. He's continuing to carve out his legacy as a player.

Losing Victor Wembanyama for the season is a devastating blow to the San Antonio Spurs, but they won't be the only player or team affected by that news.

“Victor Wembanyama had experienced low energy lately that was causing concern,” Amick reported. “When he still had low energy at All-Star weekend, and through his two-day vacation after it, the tests began that ultimately uncovered the deep vein thrombosis.”

With news Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season, Es Baraheni takes a look at the new race for Defensive Player of the Year.

Stars set to play in Sunday's NBA midseason showcase in San Francisco. San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama, Miami's Tyler Herro, Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Cleveland's Evan Mobley, Oklahoma City's Jalen W