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The Heat claimed a decisive 146 to 114 victory over the Grizzlies in their first basketball game after player Terry Rozier was detained over alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Billups was additionally arrested as part of a extensive federal probe into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the allegations.

But, the Heat were not distracted as they put up eighty-six opening half points to lead Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and afterwards said Rozier had the team's full backing.

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

Heat coach Spoelstra added: "Rozier is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a beneficial influence on our locker room.

"Our thoughts are with him and support for him as he faces the situation."

Portland also secured their first game since the detentions, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 victory against the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Billups and his coaching style," Splitter said. "We're thinking of him and his family but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Upset' by Arrests

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

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

Silver further mentioned an league probe into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he participated for the Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the regulators and the gambling firms," he continued.

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

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA can't do.

"So, we've been working with them since then. Naturally, what they announced yesterday was an indictment.

"And 30 months after, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in fairness to Terry.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a balance in this case between upholding rights and investigating."

Other NBA Results

In other games, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic scored over forty points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up forty-three points in a first defeat to the Warriors, the European star achieved 49 points - to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek player Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 scores, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory over the Pelicans.