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Miami Heat earned a crushing 146-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first basketball match since guard Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also detained in connection with a broad FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the allegations.

However, the Heat were not distracted as they put up 86 opening half points to lead Memphis by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37 year history.

Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four points and later stated Rozier had the support of the team.

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

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He's had a beneficial influence on our locker room.

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

The Trail Blazers also won their first game after the detentions, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as interim coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions 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 fairness of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting."

Silver further said an league probe into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he participated for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"It was brought to our attention by the authorities and the betting companies," he continued.

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

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the league office can't do.

"Therefore, 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 has not been found guilty of any offense, in fairness to Terry.

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other NBA Outcomes

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

Following scoring forty-three points in a first defeat to the Warriors, the European star put up forty-nine scores - along with 11 rebounds and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one points, twenty boards and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 victory at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with 37 points from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 boards and nine blocks in the Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.