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The Heat secured a overwhelming 146 to 114 victory against the Grizzlies in their initial NBA match since player Terry Rozier was arrested for suspected unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally arrested in connection with a broad FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the claims.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded 86 opening half points to lead Memphis by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the team's 37 year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and afterwards said Terry had the team's full backing.

"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 Erik Spoelstra added: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to all of us. He's had a beneficial influence on our team.

"We send our thoughts and our care for him as he faces this."

Portland additionally secured their first game since the detentions, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and guiding the team to a decisive 139 to 119 victory against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago said. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

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

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

The commissioner further said an league probe into the player's actions in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he participated for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities 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 cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they revealed yesterday was an charge.

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

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, 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 Results

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

After scoring 43 points in a first defeat to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - to go with eleven rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 scores, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Pistons despite thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven boards and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.