Larry Nance Jr. makes hilarious joke on betting, banned Jontay Porter / News - Basketnews.com

Larry Nance Jr. mocks Jontay Porter: "I'm bettin' on the Pels. I'm not betting, no Jontay Porter. I'm not betting on anything. I don't own a betting app, none of that."

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

New Orleans Pelicans clinched the 8th seed in the Western Conference by defeating the Sacramento Kings 105-98 in the Play-In Tournament finale on Friday night, despite playing without Zion Williamson.

Jontay Porter

MIN:14.39PTS:4.6 (45.08%)REB:3.28As:2.4ST:0.8BL:0.8TO:0.84GM:25ProfileNBA2023/2024

In a display of teamwork, six players scored in double digits, with Larry Nance Jr. contributing 13 points in 21 minutes on the court.

Off the court, Nance brought his A-game during the post-game conference, displaying both wit and confidence.

When asked about the upcoming challenge of facing the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, Nance responded with a playful jab, saying, "Respectfully, I'm bettin' on the Pels. I'm not betting, no Jontay Porter. I'm not betting. I'm not betting on anything. I don't own a betting app, none of that," eliciting laughter from the entire press room.

Nance's remark cleverly referenced the recent controversy surrounding Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA for life due to involvement in prop betting. The NBA cited Porter's violations of league rules, including disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.

Now, Nance and the Pelicans are gearing up to face the Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 21st, ready to bring their winning momentum to the court.

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