The NBA is investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for his role in betting irregularities this season, ESPN reported Monday.
Sources told ESPN that Porter, brother of Denver Nuggets’ forward Michael Porter Jr., is under the league’s microscope for prop betting markets in games played Jan. 26 and March 20.
In the first instance, Jan. 26 against the Clippers, sportsbooks had Porter’s props set at over/under 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 3-pointers. At the time, Porter had per game averages of 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.7 3-pointers.
Prior to the game, there was a heightened level of betting interest on the under for Porter’s props. He played four minutes before leaving because, according to the team, Porter aggravated an eye injury suffered Jan. 22.
Porter’s final numbers from the Jan. 26 game: no points, three rebounds and one assist, thus hitting the under on all of his prop markets. DraftKings reported the next day that Porter’s 3-pointers “under” bet was the public’s biggest winner that night among all NBA props.
The March 20 game in question, against the Sacramento Kings, saw Porter again depart – this time after only three minutes – because of what the team said was an illness.
Porter’s totals were set at 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. He took – and missed – one shot and had two rebounds.
Once again, the DraftKings day-after report said Porter’s under wagers were the night’s biggest money-earners for sports bettors.
Porter’s two-contract with Toronto this season pays him $415,000.
After missing Saturday’s matchup with the Washington Wizards because of personal reasons, Porter was listed as “out” for Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
As part of the injury report, Porter’s estimated return date is April 14, the final day of the NBA’s regular season, possibly indicating he might not return at all this season.
In 26 games this season, Porter, 24, carries averages of 14 minutes per game, 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
-Field Level Media