NBA Defensive Player of the Year featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green and more: February 23rd, 2022 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda

The race for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award will be back on as soon as the league restarts Thursday.

There's going to be a wide range of storylines to monitor throughout the remainder of the season. The playoff races should provide plenty of drama.

The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns will continue to battle for the top spot out West, while the Memphis Grizzlies remain hot in pursuit. The battle for the top seed in the East has a number of impressive contenders, including the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.

Let's take a look at the updated Defensive Player of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.

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No. 5: Mikal Bridges

Phoenix Suns wing Mikal Bridges could heat up in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #5

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 2; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 58; Games won - 48; Games lost - 10

Last Week: PPG - 18.0, APG - 1.0, RPG - 8.0

Overall: PPG - 13.4, APG - 2.1, RPG - 4.3

Last Week: FG% - 58.3%, 3P% - 14.3%, FT% - 63.6%

Overall: FG% - 53.0%, 3P% - 36.5%, FT% - 84.0%

The Western Conference-leading Phoenix Suns (48-10) have had the NBA's best record for much of the season. With the latest news that superstar guard Chris Paul is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future, it could provide a big opportunity for versatile wing Mikal Bridges to build off his impressive season.

Bridges, one of the NBA's top defensive players, has been one of the Suns' most valuable assets. In his last week, Bridges averaged 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting 58.3%.

No. 4: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is rising in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #4

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

Overall: Games played - 59; Games won - 40; Games lost - 19

Last Week: PPG - 15.0, APG - 1.0, RPG - 5.0

Overall: PPG - 16.7, APG - 1.1, RPG - 6.0

Last Week: FG% - 33.3%, 3P% - 23.1%, FT% - 77.8%

Overall: FG% - 41.5%, 3P% - 31.8%, FT% - 80.2%

The Memphis Grizzlies (41-19), third in the West, have had a breakout season. One of the underrated reasons for the Grizzlies' sensational play has been the resurgence of young forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

In his last 11 games, Jackson has averaged 18.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.9%.

No. 3: Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #3

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

Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 28; Games lost - 6

Last Week: PPG - N/A, APG - N/A, RPG - N/A

Overall: PPG - 7.9, APG - 7.4, RPG - 7.6

Last Week: FG% - N/A, 3P% - N/A, FT% - N/A

Overall: FG% - 53.7%, 3P% - 28.6%, FT% - 59.7%

The Golden State Warriors are in second place in the Western Conference after their impressive start. Golden State could make a serious run at the NBA Finals. When the Warriors are firing on all cylinders, it's due to the two-way impact of veteran forward Draymond Green.

After being sidelined for an extended period with a back injury, reports have suggested Green is set to return to the court at some point right after the All-Star break. With the Warriors eager to catch the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference, getting Green back will be a huge lift.

Green is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. If Green can return and stay healthy, he should see his Defensive Player of the Year stock rise quickly.

No. 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is heating up in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #2

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

Overall: Games played - 49; Games won - 31; Games lost - 18

Last Week: PPG - 41.0, APG - 6.5, RPG - 12.5

Overall: PPG - 29.4, APG - 6.0, RPG - 11.2

Last Week: FG% - 68.2%, 3P% - 57.1%, FT% - 78.3%

Overall: FG% - 54.7%, 3P% - 30.9%, FT% - 72.1%

The Milwaukee Bucks are fifth in the tight Eastern Conference race, within striking distance of climbing to as high as third in a flash. Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Milwaukee's mainstay.

Antetokounmpo, one of the NBA's most dominant players, has taken his game to another level lately and is in contention for many prestigious awards. In his last week, Giannis posted eye-opening averages of 41.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

No. 1: Rudy Gobert

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert continues to impress as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #1

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

Overall: Games played - 44; Games won - 30; Games lost - 14

Last Week: PPG - 9.5, APG - 1.0, RPG - 9.0

Overall: PPG - 15.9, APG - 1.2, RPG - 14.9

Last Week: FG% - 81.8, 3P% - N/A, FT% - 50.0

Overall: FG% - 71.1%, 3P% - 0.0%, FT% - 68.9%

The Utah Jazz remain in the fourth spot in the West. The veteran squad should be a contender to make a strong playoff run. Throughout the year, big man Rudy Gobert has been a dominant force on both sides of the floor.

Gobert has been a serious presence with his play in the paint for the Jazz. Plus, the shot-blocking big man has been a force on the glass. Gobert is averaging 15.9 points and 14.9 rebounds per game.