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Miami Heat claimed a decisive 146-114 win against the Grizzlies in their initial NBA match after player Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally arrested in connection with a sweeping federal probe into illegal gambling. Both men contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up 86 first-half scores to be ahead of the Grizzlies by 39 after two quarters, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 scores and afterwards stated Terry 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."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to all of us. He has made a beneficial influence on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers also won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the team to a convincing 139-119 win over the Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

Addressing the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver said he was "very upset" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the fairness of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

Silver also mentioned an NBA investigation into the player's actions in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"We were informed by the authorities and the betting companies," he continued.

"We investigated that situation and were open about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA can't do.

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

"And two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in fairness to Terry.

"Clearly, 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 investigating."

Other League Outcomes

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

After scoring forty-three points in a first loss to the Golden State, the European star put up forty-nine points - along with 11 boards and 8 passes - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece player Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 points, twenty rebounds and seven assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons despite thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven boards and nine rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory against the Pelicans.