The NBA has initiated an inquiry into Toronto’s two-way player Jontay Porter following allegations of gambling. Raptors coach Darko Rajaković disclosed that he was made aware of the situation shortly before Monday night’s game.
A source initially broke the story, highlighting the scrutiny on Porter’s performance during games on January 26 and March 20.
In both instances, Porter made brief appearances before exiting, citing injury or illness. Absent from Monday’s team activities, the Raptors stated Porter’s absence was due to personal reasons.
“I never doubt injuries. I never doubt honestly from players,” Rajaković said. “Obviously, I’ve never had a situation like this before.”
During the initial game against the Clippers, Sportsbooks established Porter’s props at over/under 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 three-pointers.
Porter’s per game averages at the time stood at 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.7 three-pointers. Before the game, there was significant betting attention on the under for Porter’s props.
However, he only played four minutes before exiting due to an aggravated eye injury, as stated by the team, which he had sustained on January 22.
In the game on January 26, Porter’s final stats showed no points, three rebounds, and one assist, resulting in him falling short on all his prop markets.
DraftKings revealed the following day that Porter’s bet on “under” three-pointers was the most lucrative among all NBA props for the public that night.
According to the source, several betting accounts attempted to place bets of approximately $10,000 and $20,000 on Porter unders in the Clippers game.
Moving to the March 20 game against the Sacramento Kings, Porter once again left early, this time after just three minutes, citing illness, as per the team’s statement.
His totals were set at 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. He attempted and missed one shot, and managed to secure two rebounds.
DraftKings’ post-game report highlighted Porter’s under wagers as the top earners for bettors that night. Porter’s contract with Toronto this season, operating under a two-way agreement, grants him $415,000.
Per NBA regulations, players must attend one anti-gambling training session yearly, either conducted by their team or the league itself.
This season, at least four G League players received suspensions lasting from three to five games for violating gambling policies.
Additionally, in 2022, six NBA 2K League players were disqualified for contravening the league’s gambling-related regulations.
Under NBA guidelines, any player who wagers money or valuables on games or events within the Association or the NBA G League risks sanctions from Commissioner Adam Silver. These penalties can range from fines to potential perpetual disqualification.
For years, the NBA has cultivated business ties with gaming firms, with FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings among its recognized gaming partners. Additionally, the league maintains affiliations with at least 24 other gaming operators.
Recently, Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff disclosed that he encountered threats from gamblers during the previous season, which he promptly reported to the NBA.
Bickerstaff recounted receiving unsettling messages, including personal details about his residence and family. He emphasized the precarious nature of navigating such situations within the domain of professional sports.
Bickerstaff’s revelation came after Indiana Pacers’ All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton expressed fatigue over enduring frequent criticism on social media regarding prop bets.
His sentiments were echoed by Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Nwora, who stated on Monday that he and fellow players regularly contend with the pressure of how their in-game performance influences bettors.
“All the time. Non-stop,” Nwora said in comments published. “You get messages. You hear it on the sideline. You see guys talking about it all the time. It is what it is. It comes with being in the NBA. People bet on silly things on a daily basis. So, I mean, it’s part of being in the NBA, it’s what comes with it. I get it.”