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Miami Heat claimed a crushing 146 to 114 victory against the Grizzlies in their initial basketball game since guard Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was additionally arrested in connection with a sweeping federal investigation into sports betting. Both men contest the allegations.

However, the Heat were focused as they recorded eighty-six opening half scores to be ahead of Memphis by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the team's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and afterwards said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Bam stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra added: "Terry is somebody who is important to all of us. He has made a beneficial influence on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers also won their initial match after the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Chauncey and how he coached," Splitter said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Addressing the arrests for the first time, league head Adam Silver stated he was "very upset" by the events of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver further mentioned an league probe into Rozier's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the regulators and the betting companies," he continued.

"We then looked into that situation and were open about 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 is unable to.

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an indictment.

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

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

Other NBA Outcomes

In other games, Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

After scoring forty-three points in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the European star put up forty-nine points - to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 scores, 20 boards and seven assists in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven rebounds and nine blocks in the Spurs' overtime win over the New Orleans.