Multiple sources have disclosed to ESPN that the NBA is currently investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter due to several instances of irregular betting activities spanning the past few months.
The investigation revolves around proposition bets concerning Porter’s performance during games on January 26th and March 20th, as per the same sources. An NBA representative has confirmed to ESPN that the league is actively looking into the matter.
During the January 26th game against the LA Clippers, there was a notable surge in betting activity favoring the under on Porter’s performance props. These included benchmarks such as points, rebounds, assists, and even his made 3-pointers, which was set at 0.5.
However, Porter’s participation in that game was short-lived, as he exited after just four minutes due to what the Raptors attributed to a re-aggravated eye injury sustained in a previous game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Consequently, Porter failed to score, managed three rebounds and one assist, and made no attempts from beyond the arc, resulting in the under hitting on all prop bets.
The following day, DraftKings Sportsbook reported to its users that the under on Porter’s made 3-pointers was the most profitable bet concerning NBA player props for that evening.
Two days later, Porter played 19 minutes in a game, tallying 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Fast forward to March 20th, in a matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Porter again saw limited action, playing just three minutes before exiting due to an illness, according to the Raptors. He failed to score, missed one shot attempt, and secured two rebounds.
Oddsmakers had set Porter’s over/unders at approximately 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds for that game.
Subsequently, DraftKings Sportsbook highlighted Porter’s prop bets as the top revenue generator from NBA games that night.
Porter, sibling to Denver Nuggets standout Michael Porter Jr., is currently on a two-way contract with the Raptors, earning $415,000 this season.
His absence from the Raptors’ recent game against the Washington Wizards, citing personal reasons, has raised eyebrows. Furthermore, he is also listed as unavailable for the team’s upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets, again for personal reasons.
NBA regulations explicitly prohibit players, as well as all league personnel, from participating in any form of betting on league events, including proposition bets. Violations of this policy carry penalties such as fines, suspensions, and potential contract termination.
The NBA maintains a vigilant stance on sports betting activities, with dedicated personnel from each team monitoring such activities. Additionally, the league employs a team of data scientists to scrutinize betting patterns for anomalies and integrity issues, alongside collaborating with third-party integrity monitors.
Porter’s NBA journey commenced in 2021, where he appeared in 11 games for the Memphis Grizzlies. His collegiate career at the University of Missouri was marred by injuries, including ACL tears and an MCL injury. Despite going undrafted and enduring two inactive seasons, he inked a deal with the Raptors in December.
Throughout his 26-game stint this season, Porter has averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 14 minutes per game.
