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

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

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they scored eighty-six opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the franchise's 37-year existence.

Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and later stated Terry had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Full support," Bam said. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach Spoelstra added: "Rozier is somebody who is important 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 secured their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the team to a convincing 139 to 119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and how he coached," Tiago said. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

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

"Nothing is more critical to the league and its fans 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 league probe into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" 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 continued.

"We then looked into that situation and were very transparent about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can take various actions that the league office is unable to.

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

"Moreover 30 months after, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in justice to Rozier.

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

Other NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Lakers star Luka Doncic scored more than 40 points for the consecutive match in a row to start the season.

After racking up forty-three points in a season-opening loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - to go with 11 boards and eight assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one points, twenty boards and seven assists in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons despite 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 boards and 9 blocks in the Spurs' extra-time victory over the New Orleans.