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The Heat claimed a decisive 146 to 114 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in their first NBA game after player Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged illegal sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was additionally arrested as part of a extensive federal investigation into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

However, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded eighty-six first-half scores to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the team's 37-year history.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four scores and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We support him. Full support," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is very dear to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

"Our thoughts are with him and support for him as he goes through the situation."

The Trail Blazers also won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and guiding the team to a convincing 139-119 win against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Splitter remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

Speaking about the arrests for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated he was "very upset" by the events of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the game," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

The commissioner also mentioned an league probe into the player's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he participated for the Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the league office is unable to.

"So, we've been cooperating since then. And, of course, what they announced recently was an charge.

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

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise in this case between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic scored over forty scores for the second game in a row to start the season.

After racking up 43 scores in a season-opening defeat to the Warriors, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece player Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with thirty-one scores, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons despite 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, eleven boards and nine rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.