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The Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball game after guard Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected illegal sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested in connection with a extensive FBI probe into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they scored eighty-six first-half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year existence.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and later stated Terry had the team's full backing.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Adebayo stated. "You support him through and through. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra added: "Rozier is somebody who is important to everyone. He's had a beneficial influence on our locker room.

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

Portland additionally secured their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and guiding the squad to a decisive 139-119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "We're thinking of him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

Addressing the arrests for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the integrity of the game," he told Amazon Prime. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

Silver also said an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he participated for the Charlotte Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

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

"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.

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they announced yesterday was an indictment.

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

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

Other NBA Outcomes

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

After racking up forty-three scores in a first defeat to the Warriors, the Slovenian put up forty-nine points - along with 11 rebounds and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 points, 20 boards and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons despite 37 scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, eleven boards and nine rejections in the Spurs' extra-time victory against the Pelicans.