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Miami Heat claimed a crushing 146 to 114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA match since guard Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested as part of a broad federal probe into sports betting. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they recorded eighty-six first-half points to be ahead of Memphis by 39 at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year history.

Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and afterwards stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We support him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach 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 our care for him as he faces the situation."

The Trail Blazers additionally won their first game after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win against the Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

Addressing the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was "very upset" by the incidents of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and its fans than the integrity of the game," he told a broadcaster. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

Silver also said an league probe into Rozier's actions 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 regulators and the gambling firms," he continued.

"We investigated the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

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

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an charge.

"Moreover two and a half years after, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in fairness to Rozier.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other NBA Outcomes

In other games, Lakers star Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 points for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

After scoring 43 points in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the Slovenian achieved 49 points - to go with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 scores, 20 rebounds and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, 11 boards and 9 blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win over the New Orleans.