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The Heat claimed a overwhelming 146 to 114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first basketball match since guard Terry Rozier was detained for alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also arrested as part of a sweeping federal probe into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded eighty-six opening half points to lead Memphis by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37 year history.

Adebayo led the way with 24 scores and afterwards said Rozier had the support of the team.

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

Heat coach Spoelstra added: "Terry is somebody who is very dear to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

"We send our thoughts and support for him as he faces the situation."

Portland also won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as interim coach in Chauncey's absence and guiding the team to a convincing 139 to 119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and how he coached," Tiago remarked. "We're thinking of him and his family but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' by Recent Events

Speaking about the arrests for the first time, league head Silver said he was "very upset" by the events of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the league and supporters than the fairness of the game," he informed Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner also said an NBA investigation into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he participated for the Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"It was brought to our attention by the authorities and the gambling firms," he added.

"We then looked into that situation and were open regarding it. And while there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, found no evidence.

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

"Therefore, we've been working with them since then. Naturally, what they revealed recently was an indictment.

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

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise here between upholding rights and investigating."

Additional League Outcomes

In other games, Los Angeles Lakers player Doncic scored more than 40 points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up 43 points in a first loss to the Warriors, the European star achieved 49 scores - along with eleven rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 points, 20 boards and 7 assists in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine points, eleven boards and 9 rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory against the New Orleans.