Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Struggles with Recovery from Injury and Illness

The All-Star guard has faced setbacks in his return to the court due to a leg injury and a bout with shingles.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:33am

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An abstract, neon-colored painting featuring a basketball player in motion, with rapid brushstrokes and blurred forms conveying the intensity and unpredictability of the sport.Tyrese Haliburton's recovery struggles are reflected in the chaotic, energetic brushstrokes of this expressionist illustration.Oklahoma City Today

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has been open about the challenges he's faced in his recovery from a leg injury sustained during the NBA Finals and a recent bout with shingles. Haliburton says he's had good and bad days, has had to change his medication multiple times, and is currently out of shape as he tries to overcome the nerve pain caused by the shingles. The Pacers are hoping Haliburton can return to form in time for the 2026-27 season after the team finished with the second-worst record in the league this past year.

Why it matters

Haliburton's recovery is crucial for the Pacers as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season and build around their young star. His health issues have prevented him from following his usual training routine, putting his status for the start of next season in question.

The details

Haliburton suffered a leg injury during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was expected to begin basketball drills by March, but was then struck by an unusual illness - shingles, a painful viral infection. The shingles have caused nerve pain and prevented Haliburton from sticking to his recovery program, leading to him gaining weight and being out of shape. Haliburton has tried various medications and even a Botox injection to try to alleviate the symptoms, but has had limited success so far.

  • In February, Haliburton said he was feeling good and on track with his recovery.
  • By March, he was expected to begin basketball drills.
  • Haliburton has now been dealing with the shingles and resulting nerve pain for about two months.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

A two-time NBA All-Star guard for the Indiana Pacers who is currently recovering from a leg injury and a bout with shingles.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The team the Pacers faced in the NBA Finals, where Haliburton suffered his leg injury.

Pascal Siakam

The lone bright spot for the Pacers in their disappointing 2025-26 season, making the All-Star team.

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What they’re saying

“It's been miserable. I have good days and bad days, but for the most part it's been bad days. I've been taking unbelievable amounts of medication to try to get rid of it. It hasn't worked.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers Guard

“I'm out of shape like crazy, like I never have been before.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers Guard

“I've changed my medication a bunch of times. I've gotten a Botox injection I thought would help, it hasn't really helped.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers Guard

What’s next

The Pacers medical team will continue to work with Haliburton to help him overcome the shingles and regain his fitness in time for the start of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Haliburton's recovery struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of injuries and illnesses in professional sports, and the Pacers will need their star guard at full strength if they hope to bounce back from a disappointing season.