In a significant blow to the Indiana Pacers, star guard Tyrese Haliburton has received a diagnosis of shingles, as confirmed by head coach Rick Carlisle. This news comes as Haliburton is already recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury that has kept him off the court for the current season. The dual health challenges present a difficult period for both the player and his team.
Star Player Faces Double Health Setback
On Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, coach Rick Carlisle disclosed that 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton, a key player for the Indiana Pacers, is grappling with shingles. This viral infection, known for causing a painful skin rash, will necessitate Haliburton’s absence from the team for an estimated two to three weeks. The diagnosis emerged after Haliburton, who had been traveling to meet the team in Washington D.C., experienced unusual symptoms and returned to Indianapolis for medical evaluation.
Haliburton’s battle with shingles compounds his existing recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury he sustained in June during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his current inability to play, Haliburton has been a constant presence at most of the Pacers' games this season, demonstrating his dedication to the team. Coach Carlisle expressed optimism regarding Haliburton's full recovery, noting the player's resilient spirit even amidst these challenging circumstances. The Mayo Clinic explains that shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, which can reactivate years later to cause the painful condition.
The Pacers have faced a challenging season without their star guard, holding a 15-43 record, placing them last in the Eastern Conference and second-to-last in the entire league, only ahead of the Sacramento Kings. Haliburton's absence is keenly felt, given his impressive performance in the 2024-25 regular season, where he averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 73 starts. His outstanding play earned him a second consecutive selection to the All-NBA third team. Throughout his career, which began with the Kings in 2020 before joining the Pacers, the two-time All-Star boasts averages of 17.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 333 regular-season games. He was originally drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by Sacramento, coming out of Iowa State.
This unfortunate turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of athlete health. It serves as a reminder that even the most dedicated and talented individuals are susceptible to health issues beyond their athletic endeavors. The Pacers' continued struggles without Haliburton underscore his immense value to the team's performance. His positive outlook, despite the setbacks, is commendable and offers hope for his eventual return to full health and the basketball court.