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Miami Heat secured a decisive 146 to 114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball match after player Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also detained in connection with a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

However, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded 86 first-half points to be ahead of Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the team's 37 year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 scores and later stated Terry had the support of the team.

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

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is very dear 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 the situation."

Portland also won their first game after the detentions, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's absence and guiding the team to a convincing 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the incidents of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the league and supporters than the fairness of the competition," he informed a broadcaster. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver also mentioned an NBA investigation into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets versus the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating since then. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an indictment.

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

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a balance here between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other League Outcomes

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic scored more than 40 scores for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

Following scoring forty-three points in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up forty-nine scores - to go with 11 rebounds and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 scores, 20 boards and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.