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The Heat claimed a decisive 146 to 114 victory over the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since guard Terry Rozier was arrested for alleged illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally detained in connection with a sweeping FBI investigation into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

However, the Miami team were focused as they recorded eighty-six opening half scores to lead the Grizzlies by 39 at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37 year existence.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four scores and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Bam said. "You support him through and through. That's our brother ultimately."

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a beneficial influence on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and our care for him as he faces this."

Portland additionally won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter taking over as interim coach in Billups' absence and guiding the squad to a convincing 139-119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached," Splitter said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was "very upset" by the incidents of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the fairness of the competition," he told Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver further mentioned an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he participated for the Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"It was brought to our attention by the authorities and the gambling firms," he continued.

"We investigated that situation and were very transparent regarding it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA is unable to.

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they announced recently was an indictment.

"Moreover 30 months after, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in fairness to Terry.

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up forty-three scores in a season-opening defeat to the Warriors, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - along with 11 boards and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece player Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one scores, 20 boards and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 victory at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven boards and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.