Haliburton of the Pacers discusses challenging experience with shingles.

Indiana Pacers standout Tyrese Haliburton discussed his experience with shingles on Monday, revealing that he has gained weight, lost part of his eyebrow, and continues to feel the lingering effects of a two-month struggle with the illness affecting his face.

“I couldn’t even appear in front of a camera early on, as my eye was nearly completely shut,” Haliburton informed reporters in Indianapolis on Monday, a day following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season. “It was widespread across my face.”

Haliburton, who sat out the entirety of last season due to recovery from a torn right Achilles, was diagnosed with shingles in February and took time away from the team to recuperate. He mentioned that he experienced a rash for the initial two weeks before the itching commenced. He returned to the team’s bench for the last few weeks of the season and wore glasses in public, including on Monday, which he stated was to help avoid touching his face.

Haliburton also shared on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Monday that he received a Botox injection and altered his medication several times to manage the condition, but a side effect from his most recent medication has resulted in weight gain. The 26-year-old’s face appeared puffy and swollen on Monday.

“I’ve lost part of my eyebrow, and my eye is constantly swollen from scratching it,” he remarked. “I have good days and bad days, but mostly it’s bad days. So, it has not been enjoyable.”

Haliburton tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last June and was declared out for the entire season; thus, while the shingles diagnosis did not result in missing additional games, it has been a hindrance during a challenging rehabilitation process.

Haliburton announced on social media last week that he has begun participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages, which was planned to start after the All-Star break prior to his shingles setback. He also mentioned on Monday that he no longer thinks about his leg injury. Although he still does not have a specific timeline for full recovery, Haliburton recognized that he has a lengthy summer ahead to recuperate from the illness and regain his fitness.

Haliburton noted that his father, John, also suffered from the illness last year, but his case involved an infection in the stomach. After witnessing the effects of the disease firsthand, Haliburton had a message to convey.

“I would advise anyone over 50 years old to get the [shingles vaccine],” Haliburton stated. “This has been difficult.”