What appeared destined to be a spectacular conclusion to 2025 for Tyrese Haliburton, the star point guard of the Indiana Pacers, quickly unraveled dramatically when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
The news was devastating. Not only would he miss the remainder of the postseason, but he would also be sidelined for the entire 2025-2026 campaign. The recovery process promised to be long, tedious, draining, and physically exhausting for the Pacers standout.
As he steadily progressed through rehabilitation, inching forward step by step, another piece of bad news has now forced him away from team facilities for a period of time.
T
he virus that struck Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana player will have to remain separated from his teammates for approximately two to three weeks after being affected by a virus. In order to prevent contagion, he will not be allowed to attend team facilities.
According to head coach Rick Carlisle, Haliburton is suffering from shingles, as he revealed this past Sunday, February 22, 2026. He will be required to quarantine for at least two to three weeks to recover fully and avoid infecting anyone else.
It’s a very painful thing,” Carlisle told reporters. “… He will make a full recovery, but this happened over the last few days. He was meeting us in D.C. and had some odd symptoms and he came back (to Indianapolis). That’s what’s happening with him. We certainly wish him a speedy recovery. It’s a unique case and a unique situation, but I talked to him a few times and he’s always in a good mood, so he’ll get through it.
The illness causes persistent itching throughout the body, primarily across the torso, where a curved rash typically forms. It is more common among individuals over the age of 60.
How Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles recovery is progressing
It is worth recalling that Haliburton sustained his Achilles rupture during Game 7 of the Finals on June 7, 2025. Since his absence, the team has struggled mightily this season. The Pacers currently sit as the worst team in the Eastern Conference with a 15-43 record.
- 17.5 points
- 8.8 assists
- 3.7 rebounds
Those were Haliburton’s averages before his injury last season. Without him on the court, the team has endured enormous difficulties attempting to replace his production and leadership.
Regarding his rehabilitation, Haliburton himself has shared videos on social media showing his progress, including training sessions and participation in pick-up games. While the path back has been filled with obstacles, he remains focused on returning stronger once both his Achilles recovery and this unexpected health setback are behind him.
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