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The Heat claimed a decisive 146-114 victory over the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game after player Terry Rozier was detained over alleged unlawful gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally detained as part of a broad federal probe into sports betting. Both men deny the claims.

But, the Heat were focused as they recorded eighty-six first-half points to lead Memphis by 39 at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the team's 37 year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four points and afterwards said Terry had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Full support," Bam said. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is important to all of us. He has made a beneficial influence on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers also secured their initial match after the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and guiding the squad to a convincing 139-119 victory over the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Billups and how he coached," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

Addressing the arrests for the first time, league head Adam Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the past few days.

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and its fans than the fairness of the competition," he told Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner further said an NBA investigation into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We investigated that situation and were open regarding it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

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

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

"Moreover two and a half years later, he has not been found guilty of any offense, in fairness to Rozier.

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Results

Elsewhere, Lakers player Doncic recorded over forty points for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up forty-three points in a first loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian achieved forty-nine points - to go with eleven rebounds and eight passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 points, 20 boards and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons despite 37 scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven rebounds and 9 rejections in the Spurs' extra-time victory over the New Orleans.