NBA investigating Raptors’ Jontay Porter for betting irregularities
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-way 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.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (ankle) out vs. Suns
San Antonio Spurs rookie center Victor Wembanyama missed Monday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns with a sprained left ankle.
He suffered the injury Saturday night in a 131-106 loss to the Suns, the first of two games in San Antonio between the two teams. He scored 13 points and had five rebounds in 21 minutes.
The 7-foot-3 Wembanyama has been bothered by ankle sprains throughout the season.
On the season, the 20-year-old is averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.4 blocks for the Spurs (15-56).
Monday’s games
Cavaliers 115, Hornets 92: Jarrett Allen, Georges Niang and Eric Mobley scored 17 points apiece as host Cleveland snapped a three-game skid. Brandon Miller racked up 24 points for the Hornets, who were blown out two nights earlier at Atlanta and Miles Bridges (Michigan State) had 13 points.
Nets 96, Raptors 88: Trendon Watford scored 19 points off the bench and visiting Brooklyn ended a six-game losing streak. It was the 11th consecutive loss for the Raptors, who got 18 points from Gary Trent Jr. and last won on March 3.
Hawks 120, Celtics 118: Dejounte Murray scored 19 points, dished 15 assists and made the go-ahead basket with one minute left to help host Atlanta overcome a 30-point deficit. The loss snapped Boston’s nine-game winning streak and denied the Celtics in their first attempt at clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Confernce.