The NBA is currently investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for possible betting irregularities, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Porter was pulled from the Raptors lineup before their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, with no clear timeline for his return. The league issued a statement to ESPN, confirming that they are looking into the matter.
Reports suggest that the NBA is specifically looking into two games where there was suspicious betting activity surrounding Porter’s prop bets. The first game was on January 26 against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Porter played only four minutes before leaving due to an eye injury. The under hit on all of his prop bets, making it a lucrative day for bettors through DraftKings Sportsbook.
On March 20, in a game against the Phoenix Suns, Porter played just three minutes before being ruled out due to an illness. Once again, the under hit on all of his prop bets, attracting significant betting interest through DraftKings Sportsbook. Porter also missed the game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday for personal reasons.
It is important to note that NBA players and all league employees are prohibited from betting on any NBA games, including prop bets. Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., is in his first season with the Raptors on a two-way deal, averaging 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 26 games this season. While he made his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020, he did not play in the league for the past two seasons.