NBA Investigating Jontay Porter for Betting Irregularities

The NBA is currently conducting an investigation into Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for suspected betting irregularities that have arisen over the past few months, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Two specific instances under scrutiny involve prop bets placed on Porter during games held on January 26th and March 20th, respectively. The league has confirmed that it is actively looking into these incidents.

On the night of January 26th, during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a noticeable surge in betting activity on the under for various Porter props, including points, rebounds, assists, and made 3-pointers. Porter, who played only four minutes due to an eye injury aggravation, fell short of all prop betting projections, resulting in a significant win for those who bet on the under.

The following day, DraftKings Sportsbook, in its daily report to users, highlighted the success of betting against Porter’s 3-pointers, making it the most profitable prop bet for NBA players that night.

Similarly, on March 20th, during a game against the Denver Nuggets, Porter played just three minutes before exiting due to illness. His on-court performance did not match the set over/unders, with multiple sportsbooks reporting that bettors who wagered against Porter’s stats emerged as the top earners for the night.

A source within the sportsbook industry revealed that several betting accounts attempted to place substantial bets, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, on Porter unders during the January game against the Clippers, indicating a concerted effort to exploit potential irregularities.

Porter, who is the younger brother of Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., is currently on a two-way contract with the Raptors and has been sidelined for recent games due to undisclosed personal reasons. The NBA strictly prohibits all league employees, including players, from participating in any form of betting on league events, including prop bets.

If found guilty of violating the league’s betting policy, Porter could face penalties such as fines, suspensions, or contract termination. The NBA closely monitors sports betting activities through dedicated personnel within each team and employs a team of data scientists to detect anomalies and maintain the integrity of the league.

Having made his NBA debut in 2021, Porter has played in 26 games this season, averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His career trajectory now hangs in the balance as the league’s investigation unfolds.