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The Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball game after guard Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected illegal sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was also arrested in connection with a broad federal investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the claims.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded 86 first-half points to be ahead of Memphis by thirty-nine at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 points and later said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We support 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 Spoelstra added: "Terry is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland also secured their initial match after the detentions, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and guiding the squad to a decisive 139-119 victory over the Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago said. "We're thinking of him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Arrests

Addressing the detentions for the initial occasion, league head Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and its fans than the fairness of the game," he told a broadcaster. "And so I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

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

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

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

"The federal government has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the league office can't do.

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

"And two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in justice to Terry.

"Clearly, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Lakers player Doncic recorded more than 40 points for the second game straight to start the season.

After scoring 43 points in a season-opening defeat to the Warriors, the European star put up forty-nine points - along with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with thirty-one points, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven boards and 9 blocks in the Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.