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The Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball game after player Terry Rozier was detained over alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally detained as part of a sweeping federal investigation into sports betting. The two individuals deny the claims.

But, the Miami team were focused as they recorded eighty-six opening half scores to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

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

Miami head coach Spoelstra added: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers additionally secured their initial match after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and guiding the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Chauncey and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

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

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

Silver further said an NBA investigation into Rozier's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" 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 gambling firms," he continued.

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

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA can't do.

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they announced yesterday 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 suspended, and so it is a compromise in this case between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Additional League Results

In other games, Lakers star Doncic recorded over forty points for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

After scoring 43 points in a first loss to the Golden State, the European star put up 49 scores - along with eleven rebounds and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek player Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 points, twenty rebounds and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons despite thirty-seven scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven rebounds and 9 blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.