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The Heat earned a overwhelming 146 to 114 win against the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since player Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected illegal gambling.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was also detained as part of a broad FBI investigation into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they put up eighty-six opening half scores to lead Memphis by 39 at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37 year existence.

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

"We stand behind him. Full support," Bam stated. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother at the end of the day."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra added: "Terry is a person who is very dear to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

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

Portland also won their initial match after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and guiding the team to a decisive 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' by Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, league head Adam Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and its fans than the integrity of the competition," he told a broadcaster. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver further mentioned an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he participated for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We investigated the matter and were open about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

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

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

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

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise in this case between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Outcomes

In other games, Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the consecutive match in a row to start the season.

Following racking up 43 scores in a first loss to the Warriors, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - along with eleven rebounds and eight assists - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 scores, 20 boards and seven passes in the Bucks' 122 to 116 victory over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 boards and nine rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory over the Pelicans.