Inside the alleged Malik Beasley, Ed Davis betting scheme

Federal prosecutors have accused former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis of participating in an alleged gambling operation that targeted NBA player prop bets during the 2023-24 season.

Beasley, Davis and four other defendants face charges including sports bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

The allegations stem from an investigation that has been unfolding for more than a year and now represents one of the biggest sports betting integrity cases involving active NBA players in recent history.

How prosecutors say the scheme worked

According to the federal indictment, prosecutors allege Beasley provided non-public information about his intended performances in certain games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season.

Davis, a former teammate of Beasley's in Minnesota, allegedly acted as an intermediary, passing the information to other members of the betting operation who then placed wagers on player props tied to rebounds and points markets.

Federal prosecutors allege the scheme targeted at least four games involving the Bucks against the Cavaliers, Hornets, Clippers and Nets.

The indictment alleges wagers worth more than $75,000 generated profits exceeding $120,000.

The text messages at the center of the case

The indictment includes alleged text exchanges between Beasley and Davis that prosecutors say show the early stages of the operation.

According to court filings, Davis allegedly encouraged Beasley to move conversations to Snapchat before telling him: "We can make some good money."

In another alleged exchange, prosecutors say Beasley informed Davis he intended to finish under his rebounding line ahead of a January 2024 game against Cleveland.

Beasley ultimately finished with three rebounds, below the market line of 3.5 rebounds that was available at some sportsbooks.

One of the more striking allegations involves a rebound collected by Beasley with 1.1 seconds remaining against the Clippers in March 2024 that pushed him over his posted rebounding total.

According to the indictment, members of the alleged betting ring celebrated the late rebound in text messages after narrowly avoiding losses.

Part of a broader NBA gambling investigation

The indictment adds to a growing list of gambling-related investigations involving current and former NBA figures.

Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA after admitting to similar conduct, while Terry Rozier has denied allegations linking him to a gambling investigation.

Federal investigators have increasingly focused on insider information, player props and market manipulation as sports betting expands across North America.

Beasley and Davis are now the fifth and sixth current or former NBA players to face federal gambling-related charges over the past two years.

What happens next?

Beasley has denied wrongdoing and his attorney stressed in a statement to ESPN that an indictment is merely an allegation rather than proof of guilt.

Davis and several co-defendants were arrested Monday, while Beasley is expected to surrender voluntarily this week.

The NBA said it is reviewing the indictment and cooperating with authorities, while the National Basketball Players Association said it is working to ensure due process rights are protected.

For now, one of the most significant gambling investigations in modern NBA history is only just beginning.