Raptors two-way forward Jontay Porter is under investigation by the NBA following multiple instances of betting irregularities, ESPN’s David Purdum, Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski report.
At issue are prop bets involving Porter from games on January 26 and March 20, according to the ESPN trio.
In the Jan. 26 game against the Clippers, there was increased betting interest on the under for Porter props, which were set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. There was also an over/under for Porter’s made 3-pointers, which was 0.5.
That night, Porter played just four minutes before leaving the game due to what the Raptors said was a re-aggravation of an eye injury he’d suffered four days earlier against the Grizzlies. None of the “overs” were achieved on the prop bets, as he went scoreless with three rebounds and one assist.
The next day, DraftKings Sportsbook reported that the under on Porter’s 3-pointers was the biggest money winner for bettors of any NBA player props from games that evening.
On March 20 against the Suns, Porter played just three minutes before departing due to what the Raptors said was an illness. He went 0-for-1 from the field and had two rebounds.
Sportsbooks had his over/unders set at around 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The next day, DraftKings once again reported that Porter’s prop bets were the No. 1 moneymaker from the night in the NBA.
He missed the Raptors game this past weekend against the Wizards for personal reasons. He’s also listed as out for Monday’s game against the Nets for personal reasons.
The Raptors won’t offer a comment on the report, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet tweets.
NBA players, alongside all league employees, are prohibited from betting on any league events, including prop bets. Violations of the policy could include fines, suspensions and possible termination of contracts, among other actions.
Porter, the brother of Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., has appeared in 26 games, averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 14 minutes a game.
Blame the Canadian American translator
Deep shot from 3…and an airball.
Amazing that they take prop bets on players that barely play. Seems like he’s facing a guilty until proven innocent situation.
What is a prop bet?
They got so mad at Ohtani, Michael Porter Jr.’s brother got picked up.
Porter family really going through it right now. Lets not forget the youngest Porter brother, who played on the University of Denver, is awaiting trial for driving drunk and killing somebody.
You can get away with a lot of things as a professional athlete. Betting on games is not one of them.
like Pete Rose
I’d wager his career is over.
Gambling totally hasn’t diluted the value of the on court product at all…
Man, if you gotta investigate a guy whose under in 3’s was .5 because he hardly plays and then he foes under because he hardly plays then your system is completely and totally FUBAR. You’re investigating a nobody who does nothing so where does it end?
The thing is why a nobody arouses so much interest in prop bets. Plus he left both games due to physical ailments after playing a very short time, which is a curious coincidence at the very least.
If you think guys are tanking stats in the NBA ….. You should see what is going on in college.
What’s going on in college?
If you are making prop bets on a guy who is on a 2-way contract and who on any day could be with the G-league team instead of the NBA team, you are either in on a fix or a degenerate gambler or both.
To be fair:
Jan 26th: Porter started the previous 5 games
Mar 20th: Porter averaged 23 MPG over the previous 4 games
His expected role was predictable due to injuries to other bigs.
It sounds like the 2nd instance is what made the alarms go off and make it unlikely to be a fluke.
I don’t think this is what Fred Van Vleet had in mind when he said “bet on yourself”