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The Heat earned a crushing 146 to 114 victory against the Grizzlies in their initial NBA match since guard Terry Rozier was detained for suspected illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also arrested in connection with a extensive federal probe into sports betting. Both men contest the allegations.

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

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four scores and later said Terry had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "You support him through and through. That's our brother ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is important to everyone. He has made a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland also won their first game after the arrests, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and guiding the team to a decisive 139-119 victory against the Golden State Warriors.

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

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Addressing the arrests for the initial occasion, league head Silver said 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 competition," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

The commissioner further said an league probe into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the authorities and the gambling firms," he added.

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the league office is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they announced yesterday was an charge.

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

"Clearly, 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 Results

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

After racking up 43 scores in a first loss to the Golden State, the European star achieved 49 scores - to go with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one points, 20 boards and seven passes in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win at the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 9 blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.