🔗 Share this article

The Heat claimed a overwhelming 146-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first basketball game since guard Terry Rozier was detained over suspected illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally detained as part of a extensive federal investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they put up 86 opening half points to lead Memphis by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year existence.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and afterwards said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is important to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and support for him as he faces this."

Portland additionally won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazil-born Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the team to a convincing 139 to 119 win over the Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and how he coached," Splitter said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

Speaking about the arrests for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and its fans than the fairness of the game," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner also said an league probe into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he participated for the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

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

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can take various actions that the league office is unable to.

"So, we've been cooperating since then. And, of course, what they revealed yesterday was an charge.

"Moreover two and a half years after, he has not been found guilty of anything, in fairness to Rozier.

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Lakers star Doncic recorded more than 40 points for the consecutive match in a row to begin the campaign.

Following racking up 43 scores in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up 49 points - along with eleven rebounds and eight passes - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece player Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 scores, twenty boards and seven assists in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win at the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons despite 37 points from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 boards and 9 rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.