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Miami Heat claimed a overwhelming 146-114 win over the Grizzlies in their initial NBA match after guard Rozier was arrested over suspected unlawful sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also arrested as part of a extensive FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Heat were focused as they recorded eighty-six first-half scores to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37 year existence.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four scores and afterwards said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Adebayo said. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother ultimately."

Miami head coach Spoelstra added: "Rozier is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland also won their initial match after the detentions, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Chauncey's absence and guiding the team to a decisive 139 to 119 win against the Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and his coaching style," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

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

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the integrity of the competition," he informed Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

The commissioner also mentioned an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a game he participated for the Charlotte Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We then looked into the matter and were very transparent regarding it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

"Federal authorities has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they revealed yesterday was an indictment.

"Moreover 30 months after, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in justice to Rozier.

"Obviously, it doesn't look good, but he's been suspended, and so it is a balance here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Additional League Outcomes

Elsewhere, Lakers player Luka Doncic scored more than 40 points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up 43 scores in a first defeat to the Warriors, the European star achieved 49 points - to go with eleven rebounds and eight assists - as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 scores, twenty rebounds and 7 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons despite 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, eleven rebounds and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.