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Miami Heat earned a decisive 146-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first NBA game after guard Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also detained in connection with a broad federal probe into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

But, the Heat were not distracted as they scored eighty-six opening half scores to be ahead of Memphis by thirty-nine after two quarters, the biggest halftime lead in the team's 37 year history.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and afterwards said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is important to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our locker room.

"We send our thoughts and our care for him as he goes through this."

Portland additionally won their first game after the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Billups and how he coached," Tiago said. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Speaking about the arrests for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and its fans than the integrity of the competition," he informed Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner further mentioned an league probe into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the authorities and the betting companies," he continued.

"We investigated that situation and were very transparent regarding it. And while there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

"Federal authorities has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the league office is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating since then. Naturally, what they announced recently was an charge.

"Moreover two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in fairness to Rozier.

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

Additional NBA Results

In other games, Lakers star Luka Doncic recorded over forty points for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

Following scoring 43 points in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - to go with eleven rebounds and eight passes - as the Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 points, 20 boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, 11 rebounds and 9 rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory over the New Orleans.