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The Heat earned a overwhelming 146 to 114 victory against the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game after guard Terry Rozier was arrested for suspected illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested as part of a extensive FBI probe into illegal gambling. Both men contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up eighty-six opening half points to lead Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37 year history.

Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 points and later stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra added: "Terry is a person who is very dear to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

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

Portland additionally secured their initial match after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and guiding the team to a decisive 139-119 win against the Warriors.

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

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' by Recent Events

Speaking about the arrests for the initial occasion, league head Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the incidents of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and its fans than the fairness of the competition," he informed a broadcaster. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

The commissioner further said an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he played for the Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

"We investigated that situation and were very transparent about it. And while there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA can't do.

"So, we've been cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they announced recently was an charge.

"Moreover two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in fairness to Rozier.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other League Outcomes

In other games, Lakers player Doncic scored more than 40 points for the second game straight to start the season.

After scoring forty-three points in a first defeat to the Warriors, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - to go with 11 rebounds and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek player Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with thirty-one points, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine scores, 11 rebounds and 9 blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory against the New Orleans.