Sports betting and the looming threat of tainting the game: Toronto Raptors' player under investigation

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA is running a full investigation over Toronto Raptors' Jontay Porter, following multiple instances of betting irregularities.

From January 26th to March 20, the NBA is looking into prop bets involving the Raptors' power forward.

For example, in the game played by the Raptors on January 26th, there was unusual activity revolving around Porter props, which for the night were set at around 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. There was also an over/under for Porter's made 3-pointers, which was 0.5.

Porter just played 4 minutes and had to exit the game because of an aggravation of an suppossed eye injury, suffered a few days earlier in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jontay did not score but had three rebounds and one assist, and he did not attempt a 3, meaning the under hit on all of the props.

The following morning DraftKings Sportsbook stated that the under on Porter's 3-pointers was the biggest money winner for bettors of any NBA player props from games that evening.

To make things a little more suspicious, Porter played 9 minutes two days later registering 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.

Just a couple of days ago, on March 20, the Raptors faced the Kings, and Jontay Porter played just three minutes before exiting because of what the Raptors said was an illness and did not return. He did not score after attempting one shot and had two rebounds.

Sportsbooks had his over/unders set at around 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. DraftKings SportsBooks reported in a media release that Porter's prop bets were the No. 1 moneymaker from the night in the NBA, again, just like in January.

"People were trying to do whatever they could to bet Jontay Porter props [against the Clippers]," told a source to ESPN. "And then, just a few days ago, the same thing. We had a bunch of people trying to bet under for more."

Multiple betting accounts attempted to bet large amounts, upward of $10,000 and $20,000, on Porter unders in the January game. Betting limits on NBA are typically around $1,000 to $2,000.

NBA players and employees are prohibited from betting on any NBA events. Any violation on this rules could result in fines, suspensions and possible termination of contracts, among other actions.

The league has data scientist monitoring game bettings, focused on finding anomalies and possible integrity issues. In addition, the NBA also collaborates with third party integrity monitors.

It's absolutely essential for the NBA credibility and prestige to stay on top over any situations of this matter. Sports bettings could be a threat for the fans to experience a pure competition.