Michael Porter Jr. Ducks Chance to Defend Younger Brother Jontay Amid Gambling Investigation

The NBA has launched an investigation into potential betting irregularities surrounding Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, according to ESPN. Porter, who’s signed to a two-way deal with the Raptors and happens to be the brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., finds himself in the hot seat.

After the Denver Nuggets game tonight versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Michael Porter Jr. skipped out on the usual post-game presser. While there’s no confirmation if his silence is connected to the investigation, the timing sure seems questionable.

It may have been a winning night for the Nuggets as they emerged victorious 128-103. However, it was no winning night in the Porter household. Even though MPJ ended up chipping in 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Nuggets, he chose not to speak to the media.

The “Rogue” Brother: Jontay Porter

Following in the footsteps of his older brother Michael Porter Jr., Jontay Porter, began his high school career in his hometown Missouri. A little while later, following their move to Seattle, the two kept up and well under former NBA All-Star Brandon Roy. Continuing down the path today, Jontay has found himself in a mix as a forward for the Toronto Raptors.

Jontay’s season hasn’t been smooth sailing. Jontay has seen limited action, appearing in only 26 games with a stat line of 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Porter’s recent on-court appearances have raised eyebrows, particularly in two games, the January 26th matchup against the Clippers and the March 20th game versus the Kings. In both games, unusual betting activity tied to Porter’s performance has led to a full-blown NBA investigation.

On January 26th, gamblers went berserk for the “under” on all of Porter’s prop bets. In Porter’s case, the bets focused on points (under 5.5), rebounds (under 4.5), assists (under 1.5), and even made three-pointers (under 0.5). Interestingly, Porter only played 4 minutes before exiting the game with an eye injury, a solid coincidence considering the underbets hitting across the board. Later, DraftKings revealed that Porter’s under-on made three-pointers was the biggest moneymaker for any NBA player prop bet that night.

Deja vu struck on March 20th against the Kings. Porter exited after just 3 minutes, on account of an “illness”. This time, prop bets centered around 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Porter didn’t score, missed his only shot attempt, and grabbed just two boards. Once again, the unders were the most profitable NBA player prop bets that night, according to DraftKings. These repeated instances of suspicious betting patterns have set off alarm bells.

Also Read: Raptors Coach Darko Rajaković Breaks Silence On Jontay Porter’s Gambling Investigation