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Miami Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA game after player Terry Rozier was arrested for suspected illegal gambling.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also detained in connection with a broad FBI probe into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the claims.

But, the Heat were focused as they put up 86 first-half points to lead the Grizzlies by 39 after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37-year history.

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

"We support him. Full support," Adebayo 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 all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and our care for him as he goes through the situation."

Portland additionally secured their first game after the detentions, with Brazil-born Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the team to a convincing 139 to 119 victory against the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Splitter said. "We're thinking of him and his family but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' by Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, NBA commissioner Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

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

The commissioner also mentioned an league probe into the player's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he played for the Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"We were informed by the regulators and the gambling firms," 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 impose penalties, can take various actions that the league office can't do.

"So, we've been cooperating since then. Naturally, what they revealed yesterday was an indictment.

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

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a compromise here between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Results

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

Following scoring 43 points in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - to go with 11 boards and 8 passes - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 scores, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Pistons despite 37 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.