🔗 Share this article

The Heat claimed a decisive 146-114 win against the Grizzlies in their first basketball match after player Terry Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also detained as part of a extensive federal investigation into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they recorded 86 first-half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by 39 at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37 year history.

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. "You support him through and through. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our team.

"We send our thoughts and our care for him as he goes through the situation."

The Trail Blazers also secured their first game after the detentions, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and leading the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Billups and how he coached," Splitter said. "We're thinking of him and his family 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 "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 a broadcaster. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner further said an league probe into Rozier's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a game he participated for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

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

"Federal authorities has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA can't do.

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

"Moreover 30 months later, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in justice to Rozier.

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise in this case between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Additional NBA Results

Elsewhere, Lakers star Luka Doncic scored more than 40 points for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

After racking up forty-three scores in a first loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up forty-nine points - along with eleven rebounds and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with thirty-one points, twenty boards and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 points from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 9 rejections in the Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.