🔗 Share this article

The Heat earned a decisive 146 to 114 win over the Grizzlies in their first basketball match after guard Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful sports betting.

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

However, the Heat were not distracted as they put up 86 opening half scores to be ahead of Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the biggest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year history.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four scores and later stated Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Adebayo said. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother at the end of the day."

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to everyone. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

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

Portland also secured their first game after the detentions, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as interim coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 win against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and his coaching style," Tiago said. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' by Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, league head Silver stated he was "very upset" by the incidents of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and its fans than the fairness of the game," he told Amazon Prime. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting."

Silver further said an NBA investigation into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he played for the Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We investigated that situation and were very transparent regarding it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the NBA can't do.

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

"And 30 months after, 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 here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Lakers star Doncic recorded over forty points for the second game in a row to start the season.

Following scoring forty-three scores in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star put up 49 scores - along with 11 boards and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 scores, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 win over the Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in the Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.