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

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was also detained in connection with a broad federal probe into illegal gambling. The two individuals deny the allegations.

However, the Miami team were focused as they recorded 86 opening half points to be ahead of Memphis by 39 at halftime, the largest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year existence.

Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 scores and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Bam stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Miami head coach Spoelstra added: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to everyone. He has made a beneficial influence on our team.

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

Portland also secured their initial match after the detentions, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Billups' absence and guiding the squad to a decisive 139-119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Billups and his coaching style," Splitter remarked. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' by Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated he was "very upset" by the events of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the fairness of the game," he told Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver also said an league probe into the player's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a game he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

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

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA can't do.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. Naturally, what they revealed recently was an indictment.

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

"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 NBA Results

Elsewhere, Lakers star Doncic scored over forty points for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

After racking up 43 points in a season-opening defeat to the Warriors, the European star put up 49 points - along with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with thirty-one points, twenty rebounds and seven assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 boards and 9 blocks in the Spurs' extra-time victory against the Pelicans.