Report: Raptors' Porter facing NBA probe over prop bets
The NBA is investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter over irregularities relating to prop bets involving him, sources told ESPN's David Purdum, Brian Windhorst, and Adrian Wojnarowski.
The league is reportedly examining the Raptors' games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 26 and the Sacramento Kings on March 20.
"We're looking into it," an NBA spokesperson told Wojnarowski.
Against the Clippers, Porter's player props were set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, as well as 0.5 made threes. He played just under four-and-a-half minutes before aggravating an eye issue sustained in Toronto's previous contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. He ended that matchup with zero points, three rebounds, and an assist.
Versus the Kings, Porter registered just 2:43 of playing time before leaving with an illness, finishing with only two rebounds and one unsuccessful 2-point field-goal attempt. His over/under player props for that game were around 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
In both instances, DraftKings Sportsbook reported the day after the game that props relating to Porter produced the most winnings of all the previous night's individual NBA player props. His under on threes made was most popular on Jan. 26, and his under props were the most popular on March 20.
NBA policy prohibits all players and league employees from placing bets involving the league. Fines, suspensions, and contract termination are among the possible punishments.
The Raptors are not providing comment, according to Sportsnet's Blake Murphy.
Porter is listed as out for Monday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets due to personal reasons. His locker at Scotiabank Arena was empty before the game, according to Sportsnet. He also missed Toronto's Friday loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Missouri product is on a non-guaranteed two-way contract with the Raptors. He'll be a restricted free agent this summer if the team tenders him a $1.87-million qualifying offer.
The Raptors big is averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26 games this season, making five starts.
The 24-year-old is the younger brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.