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Miami Heat earned a decisive 146 to 114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since guard Terry Rozier was arrested for alleged unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested in connection with a broad FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

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

Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 scores and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We support him. Full support," Bam stated. "You support him through and through. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

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

Portland additionally won their initial match after the detentions, with Brazil-born Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win against the Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' by Recent Events

Addressing the detentions for the first time, league head Adam Silver stated he was "very upset" by the incidents of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the integrity of the game," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

The commissioner further said an league probe into Rozier's conduct 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 regulators and the betting companies," he added.

"We investigated that situation and were very transparent regarding it. And while there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"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. Naturally, what they announced recently was an indictment.

"Moreover 30 months later, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Terry.

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

Additional NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Lakers star Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

After scoring 43 scores in a first loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - along with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek player Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, eleven boards and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory over the Pelicans.