🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat earned a overwhelming 146-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA match after player Rozier was detained for suspected unlawful gambling.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested as part of a extensive federal probe into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the claims.

But, the Heat were not distracted as they recorded eighty-six opening half scores to lead Memphis by thirty-nine after two quarters, the biggest halftime lead in the franchise's 37-year existence.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

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

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra added: "Terry is a person who is very dear to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our locker room.

"Our thoughts are with him and support for him as he goes through this."

Portland additionally won their first game after the arrests, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and guiding the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 victory against the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "We're thinking of him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

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

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and its fans than the integrity of the competition," he told Amazon Prime. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

The commissioner further mentioned an league probe into Rozier's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"It was brought to our attention by the regulators and the betting companies," he continued.

"We investigated the matter and were open regarding it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the league office can't do.

"So, we've been cooperating from that point. Naturally, what they announced yesterday was an indictment.

"And 30 months after, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Rozier.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a balance in this case between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Additional NBA Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic scored over forty points for the second game straight to start the season.

After racking up 43 points in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star put up 49 points - to go with 11 rebounds and eight passes - as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece player Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 scores, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons despite thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 points, eleven rebounds and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.