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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 unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally detained in connection with a broad FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they put up eighty-six opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37 year history.

Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four scores and later said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Bam said. "You support him through and through. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He has made a beneficial influence on our locker room.

"We send our thoughts and support for him as he faces the situation."

Portland additionally secured their initial match after the detentions, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and guiding the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 victory against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached," Tiago said. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' by Arrests

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, league head Adam Silver said he was "very upset" by the events of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the integrity of the game," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver further said an NBA investigation into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a game he participated for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

"We investigated the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the league office can't do.

"Therefore, we've been working with them since then. And, of course, what they announced recently was an indictment.

"And two and a half years after, he has not been found guilty of anything, in fairness to Terry.

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been suspended, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic scored more than 40 scores for the second game in a row to begin the campaign.

Following racking up forty-three scores in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star put up forty-nine scores - to go with eleven boards and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek player Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 points, 20 boards and seven passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Raptors.

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