Tyrese Haliburton diagnosed with shingles, away from Pacers - ESPN
ESPN
February 23, 2026
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Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been diagnosed with shingles, a condition characterized by a painful skin rash caused by the herpes zoster virus, which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. As a result of this diagnosis, Haliburton will be absent from the team for several weeks. Despite not playing this season due to a torn Achilles sustained during Game 7 of last year's NBA Finals, Haliburton has remained active on the bench, offering support and leadership to his teammates. His absence now, however, adds another layer of challenge for an already struggling Pacers squad.
Head coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Haliburton experienced unusual symptoms while traveling with the team in Washington D.C., prompting him to return home for medical attention. According to Carlisle, Haliburton is expected to make a full recovery but will need time away from the team during his treatment. The coach expressed concern for Haliburton's well-being and emphasized the importance of supporting him during this period. While shingles is not typically life-threatening, it can be highly uncomfortable and requires rest and medical care to manage effectively.
Haliburton's absence comes at a critical juncture in the Pacers' season, which has been marked by significant challenges. Currently, the team holds a 15-42 record, the worst mark in the Eastern Conference. With Haliburton sidelined, fans and analysts are closely monitoring how this will impact the squad's already fragile performance. His leadership and potential contributions on the court have been sorely missed, and his absence leaves a significant void in what is an already thin roster.
The diagnosis also highlights the unpredictable nature of sports-related health issues. While Haliburton has been a key figure for the Pacers since joining the team in 2022, his inability to play this season due to injury and now his battle with shingles underscores the physical demands of professional basketball. His recovery is not only important for the Pacers' on
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026