Haliburton Describes Ongoing Struggle With Shingles During Achilles Rehab
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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said Monday that a two-month fight with shingles has left him swollen, heavier and still dealing with daily discomfort as he rehabs a torn right Achilles tendon.
Speaking to reporters in Indianapolis one day after the 2025-26 regular season ended, the 26-year-old revealed that the virus first appeared on his face in February. “My eye was practically swollen shut,” he noted, adding that he stayed away from cameras and the team while an initial rash spread across his face.
Haliburton missed the entire season following the Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of last June’s NBA Finals. Although shingles did not cost him additional games, he called the illness a frustrating setback in what was already a lengthy recovery process.
According to Haliburton, doctors adjusted his medication several times, and a Botox injection was used to ease facial pain. A recent prescription, however, has caused noticeable weight gain, and itching has taken off part of one eyebrow. He has worn glasses on the bench and in public to discourage touching the irritated area.
Last week Haliburton posted on social media that he has resumed five-on-five scrimmages—work that was originally slated to begin right after the All-Star break. While he says the repaired Achilles no longer concerns him, he expects a demanding offseason to regain conditioning and fully clear the lingering effects of shingles.
The guard also mentioned that his father, John, contracted shingles last year, though on his stomach rather than his face. Having seen the illness up close twice, Haliburton urged anyone over 50 to get vaccinated, calling the experience “miserable.”
Source: ESPN
