NBA hoped to begin its season on a strong note. Now it faces a gambling scandal

Extraordinary performances from Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, and Aaron Gordon should be the talk of the NBA. Instead, it's a gambling scandal. 

FBI director Kash Patel speaks at a press conference announcing the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in connection with a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling. Pic: AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

As a new NBA season opened this week, coach Rick Carlisle and the Indiana Pacers received their annual league-mandated briefing on the do’s and don’ts of gambling.

Betting in casinos is generally allowed. Betting on other sports, provided it is legal, is also allowed.