THREE POINTER:
- Toronto Raptors forward, Jontay Porter, is under NBA investigation over alleged betting irregularities.
- The irregularities involve prop bets from games played on January 26 and March 20.
- The NBA has dedicated personnel monitoring sports betting anomalies and potential integrity issues.
The Investigation
Toronto Raptors forward, Jontay Porter, is being investigated by the NBA over multiple instances of betting irregularities over the past several months. The irregularities involve prop bets from games on January 26 and March 20. An NBA spokesman confirmed that the league is “looking into it.”
The Games in Question
In the game on January 26 against the LA Clippers, Porter played just four minutes before leaving due to an aggravated eye injury. Despite not scoring, the under hit on all of the props, resulting in a big win for bettors. Two days later, Porter played 19 minutes, scoring 12 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
On March 20, against the Sacramento Kings, Porter played just three minutes before exiting due to illness. With no score after attempting one shot and two rebounds, Porter’s prop bets were the No. 1 moneymaker for the night in the NBA.
The Betting Patterns
At least one other U.S. sportsbook detected unusual betting interest on the Porter props in the games in question. Multiple betting accounts attempted to bet large amounts, upward of $10,000 and $20,000, on Porter unders in the January game against the Clippers. “People were trying to do whatever they could to bet Jontay Porter props [against the Clippers],” an industry source said.
The NBA’s Response
NBA players, along with all league employees, are prohibited from betting on any NBA events, including prop bets. Violations of this policy could lead to fines, suspensions, and possible termination of contracts. The NBA has a team of data scientists focused on sports betting anomalies and possible integrity issues and also works with third-party integrity monitors.
Porter’s Career
Porter debuted in the NBA in 2021, playing 11 games with the Grizzlies. He went undrafted and didn’t play in the NBA over the previous two seasons. He signed with the Raptors in December and has played in 26 games this season, averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 14 minutes a game.
#SportsBetting #NBAInvestigation
