Tyrese Haliburton reveals why he gained weight, facial shingles complicates his recovery
Tyrese Haliburton explains his weight gain and the complications from facial shingles delaying his Achilles tendon recovery. The Pacers star is facing a difficult double medical battle.
Apr 10, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Indiana Pacers star revealed Monday the real reasons behind his recent weight gain, putting an end to speculation on social media. The 26-year-old guard has been suffering from facial shingles for eight weeks, a condition that is significantly complicating his rehabilitation following his Achilles tendon rupture.
A medical battle on two fronts
Absent for the entire 2025-2026 season due to his Achilles tendon injury sustained during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton thought he could focus solely on his rehabilitation. But a facial shingles diagnosis in February upended his plans.
« I’ve had facial shingles for eight weeks now and I can’t get rid of it », Tyrese Haliburton explained during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. « I’ve switched medications three times and had a Botox injection. Nothing has helped. One of the new medications makes me constantly hungry and causes weight gain. »
The illness has had dramatic visible effects on the player. « I lost part of my eyebrow; my eye is always swollen from scratching it », he told reporters. « I have good days and bad days, but most of the time they’re bad days. »
Tyrese Haliburton says he’s been having a « miserable » battle with shingles
Hali says he’s gained weight, lost part of his eyebrow, and has been dealing with nerve pain for two months
(via @Pacers) pic.twitter.com/ypP53FMNSR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2026
Social media mockery and the medical reality
When the Pacers posted a photo of Haliburton on Friday night, social media erupted with jokes about his weight, with some even calling him « Tyrese Haliburger. » The mockery affected the player, who felt compelled to publicly explain his medical situation.
Shingles is an extremely painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. When it appears on the face, it is considered the most severe and painful form due to the number of facial nerves affected. Treatment often involves corticosteroids, which can cause swelling and weight gain.
Despite these difficulties, Haliburton remains optimistic about his Achilles recovery. « I feel really good. When I’m running or playing, I don’t even think about it », he said. « I’m doing everything: 5-on-5, playing full speed, running, doing cardio. » He resumed full practice sessions last week, after shingles had delayed that crucial step in his rehabilitation.
The Pacers guard, who averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists last season, now hopes that the summer will allow him to definitively overcome the illness and return to peak physical shape for the 2026-2027 season.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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