Why did Tyrese Haliburton gain weight?

Haliburton ties viral photo to shingles battle

Tyrese Haliburton said the noticeable weight gain shown in a photo that went viral over the weekend wasn’t caused by eating differently or a training change—it was linked to a prolonged case of shingles.

In related reporting, Haliburton described a painful two-month fight with shingles that affected how he felt and trained during the stretch. He also said it was shingles, not his prior Achilles recovery, that presented the biggest challenge going forward.

The weight gain matters because Haliburton is Indiana’s offensive engine and a key figure for the Pacers’ playoff push. Any physical setback—even if it doesn’t relate to the Achilles—can influence timing, conditioning and day-to-day preparation. In Haliburton’s case, the public reaction focused on his appearance, but the underlying explanation centered on health and treatment.

What he said happened

• He described the episode as shingles, not an Achilles recovery issue.
• He said medication associated with the condition contributed to changes in his body.
• He also referenced losing part of his eyebrow during the period.

Why it matters for the Pacers

Even with Haliburton back on the court, a shingles-and-medication timeline can still have ripple effects—fatigue management, practice load, and how quickly a player returns to full comfort with workload. With the regular season behind them and the postseason picture shaping, Indiana will want him at peak availability and rhythm.