NBA Defensive Player of the Year featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and more: April 6th, 2022 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda

No. 3: Mikal Bridges

Phoenix Suns wing Mikal Bridges

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - 2nd

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 79; Games won - 63; Games lost - 16

Last Week: PPG - 19.3, APG - 1.7, RPG - 3.7

Overall: PPG - 14.4, APG - 2.3, RPG - 4.3

Last Week: FG% - 54.8%, SPG - 1.3, BPG - 0.3

Overall: FG% - 53.4%, SPG - 1.2, BPG - 0.5

The Phoenix Suns (63-16), who will be the West's No. 1 seed, have been the NBA's top team. Versatile wing Mikal Bridges has been one of the league's best defenders.

With guard Chris Paul sidelined for an extended period, Bridges took his game to a new level. The league has noticed, and Bridges could win a DPOY award during his career. In his last week, Bridges averaged 19.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

No. 2: Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - 5th

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 4; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 55; Games won - 35; Games lost - 20

Last Week: PPG - 17.8, APG - 3.3, RPG - 10.8

Overall: PPG - 19.0, APG - 3.4, RPG - 10.1

Last Week: FG% - 59.6%, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 0.3

Overall: FG% - 55.7%, SPG - 1.4, BPG - 0.8

The Miami Heat (52-28) remain at the top of the Eastern Conference, riding a five-game winning streak. Miami should be the East's No. 1 seed. The Heat have been at their best when star big man Bam Adebayo is on the court.

Adebayo stands out with his impact on both sides of the floor. In his last week, Adebayo averaged 17.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.0 spg.

No. 1: Marcus Smart

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - N/A

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 68; Games won - 45; Games lost - 23

Last Week: PPG - 14.3, APG - 6.0, RPG - 4.5

Overall: PPG - 12.0, APG - 5.9, RPG - 3.9

Last Week: FG% - 35.7%, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 0.3

Overall: FG% - 41.4%, SPG - 1.7, BPG - 0.3

The Boston Celtics (49-30) have come a long way from the team that was 18-21 on Jan. 6, skyrocketing up the standings to second in the East. The Celtics have been one of the most dominant defensive teams, and veteran guard Marcus Smart has led that effort.

Smart has always been known for his defensive ability, and he's become the betting favorite to win the DPOY award. In his last week, Smart averaged 14.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.9 apg and 1.0 spg.