🔗 Share this article

The Heat earned a overwhelming 146 to 114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA match after player Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged illegal sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was additionally detained as part of a extensive federal probe into sports betting. Both men deny the claims.

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

Adebayo led the way with 24 scores and later stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Adebayo said. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

"We send our thoughts and support for him as he goes through this."

Portland also secured their first game after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the team to a convincing 139-119 win against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and his coaching style," Splitter remarked. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

Addressing the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events 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 had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner also mentioned an league probe into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We investigated the matter and were open about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating since then. And, of course, what they announced recently was an indictment.

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

"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 conducting an inquiry."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded over forty scores for the second game in a row to start the season.

Following scoring 43 scores in a season-opening loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian achieved 49 points - along with eleven boards and eight passes - as the Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 scores, twenty boards and seven passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons despite 37 points from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in the Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.