Mon May 05 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pacers’ Haliburton Sr. Banned From Games After On-Court Incident; Cavaliers-Pacers Semifinals Set
**CLEVELAND, OH** – The Eastern Conference semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers are set to tip off Sunday at 6 p.m., but the series will be missing one key spectator: Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John. Following an on-court altercation after the Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks, John Haliburton has been banned from attending future games, a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.
The incident occurred after Indiana’s overtime victory, with John Haliburton entering the court to celebrate his son’s game-winning shot. This led to a confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo, prompting both Tyrese Haliburton and his father to apologize. Tyrese Haliburton stated his father needs to restrain himself and allow him to focus on the game.
The upcoming series presents an interesting matchup, as the two teams have only played each other twice at full strength this season. Key players were rested during their regular season meetings, and injuries further complicated the evaluation of both teams’ actual capabilities. Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton himself missed games due to injury, and the Cavaliers had yet to acquire De’Andre Hunter before their final meetings. This lack of head-to-head experience is highlighted by both teams and analysts.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ young star Andrew Nembhard has received praise for his improved play, particularly in the playoffs. His consistent performance, along with veteran T.J. McConnell’s grit and defensive prowess, adds depth to Indiana’s roster. Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade even highlighted the Pacers’ coaching staff’s pivotal role in Nembhard’s development.
The series promises to be a highly anticipated clash between two teams with surprisingly little familiarity on the court, setting the stage for an exciting Eastern Conference Semifinals showdown.
First Piper 