NBA Investigates Jontay Porter’s Betting Irregularities
Explore the NBA’s probe into betting anomalies surrounding Jontay Porter’s games, raising concerns over prop bets.
Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter is currently under investigation by the NBA following reports of multiple instances of irregular betting activities over the past few months, as confirmed by various sources to ESPN on Monday.
The investigation revolves around proposition bets (prop bets) involving Porter during games on Jan. 26 and March 20, as disclosed by multiple sources to ESPN. An NBA spokesperson informed ESPN that the league is actively investigating the matter.
In the game on Jan. 26 against the LA Clippers, there was notable betting interest favouring the under for Porter’s prop bets. These bets included projections for points, rebounds, assists, and made 3-pointers. Despite the expectations, Porter only played four minutes before exiting due to what the Raptors stated as an aggravation of an eye injury sustained four days earlier. Consequently, Porter did not score any points, though he managed to secure three rebounds and provide one assist, failing to attempt a 3-pointer, thus resulting in the under hitting on all prop bets.
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The following day, DraftKings Sportsbook reported that the under on Porter’s 3-pointers was the highest money winner for bettors among NBA player props on that evening’s games.
Similarly, on March 20 against the Sacramento Kings, Porter played just three minutes before leaving due to an illness, according to the Raptors. He did not score any points and only attempted one shot, resulting in two rebounds. Sportsbooks had set his over/under projections for points and rebounds, which saw significant betting activity leaning towards the under.
It was reported that at least one other U.S. sportsbook observed unusual betting interest on Porter’s prop bets in the aforementioned games, with multiple betting accounts attempting to place substantial wagers, sometimes exceeding $10,000 and $20,000, on Porter unders during the January game against the Clippers. Betting limits on NBA player props typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per customer, varying by sportsbook.
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Porter, who is the brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., currently holds a two-way contract with the Raptors, earning $415,000 for the season. He was absent from the Raptors’ recent games due to personal reasons, as announced by the team.
NBA players, along with all league personnel, are prohibited from participating in any form of betting on NBA events, including prop bets. Violations of this policy may result in fines, suspensions, or contract terminations, among other disciplinary actions. The league closely monitors sports betting activities and collaborates with integrity monitors to ensure fairness and integrity in NBA events.