Marcus Morris Sr. just appeared in a Florida courtroom for the first time since his arrest over the weekend ... but things did not go the NBA star's way during the proceedings.
The 35-year-old has been in custody in Broward County since Sunday over allegations he stiffed a casino in Las Vegas ... and at a hearing regarding the matter on Tuesday, Morris' attorneys asked for bond so he could get a handle on the issue.
The lawyers told the judge that Morris was in the process of paying off his debts in Nevada -- and releasing him would help expedite that.