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Miami Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball match since player Terry Rozier was detained for suspected illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also detained in connection with a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up 86 opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37 year existence.

Adebayo led the way with 24 points and later said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Bam said. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother at the end of the day."

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

"We send our thoughts and our care for him as he goes through the situation."

The Trail Blazers also secured their initial match after the arrests, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter taking over as interim coach in Billups' absence and guiding the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the past few days.

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

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

"We were informed by the authorities and the gambling firms," he continued.

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

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

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

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

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

Additional NBA Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic scored more than 40 points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

After racking up forty-three points in a first loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian achieved forty-nine scores - to go with eleven rebounds and eight passes - as the Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 rebounds and nine rejections in the Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.