🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat claimed a decisive 146-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA game after player Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was additionally arrested in connection with a sweeping FBI probe into sports betting. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Heat were focused as they put up 86 first-half points to lead the Grizzlies by 39 after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 scores and afterwards said Terry had the support of the team.

"We support him. Complete backing," 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 everyone. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers also secured their first game since the detentions, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 victory against the Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' by Arrests

Speaking about the arrests for the initial occasion, NBA commissioner Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the integrity of the competition," he informed a broadcaster. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

Silver further mentioned an league probe into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"It was brought to our attention by the regulators and the gambling firms," he added.

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can take various actions that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been working with them from that point. Naturally, what they announced recently was an indictment.

"Moreover 30 months later, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Terry.

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance here between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Additional NBA Results

Elsewhere, Lakers player Luka Doncic scored over forty points for the second game in a row to start the season.

After racking up forty-three scores in a first defeat to the Warriors, the European star put up 49 points - along with 11 rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

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

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