Late in November, Isiah Thomas appeared for an interview with Forbes, talking business and basketball. But the 2x NBA champion’s insight into his diverse ventures ranging from cannabis to automotive supply would evade his loyal audience. The ever-sharp ‘bad boy’ of the Detroit Pistons fumbled as he spoke and in hours, the fans had their speculations ready — Bell’s Palsay. But as Zeke confirms it now, some wish a speculation was all it stayed, pouring prayers.

“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isaiah’s sick. He’s going through something.’ I haven’t really told anybody, but I’ve got Bell’s Palsy. That’s why you see me like this.” the 2x NBA Champion revealed during his appearance on the Mark Jackson Show. In Season 1 Episode 96, Thomas continued, “You know I appreciate the prayers and the love but that’s what’s happening with my mouth right now.”

During the interview with Forbes, the Detroit Piston star’s lips had appeared asymmetrical or lopsided while speaking or trying to lick his lips. His tongue also seemed to move unevenly, adding to the speculations. So what is the condition and how severe is it?

Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, typically affecting one side of the face. As per reports, it affects 15 to 40 of every 100,000 people annually and recurs in approximately 10% of cases. But there is a silver lining for Isiah Thomas and the fans. 70% to 80% of patients will recover completely even without treatment, and over 95% recover with prompt pharmacological therapy. Holding on to the hope, fans send all the support and prayers they have in store.

Prayers up for Isiah Thomas during his recovery

Hoosier is the latest sports star to reveal his Bell’s palsy diagnosis. Former Hall of Famers, NFL’s Tony Gonzalez, and the late great Pistol Pete Maravich. Other stars like Joel Embiid, Evan Turner, and Trenton Hassell also previously opened up about their fight against the neurological condition. As Zeke joins them in individual battle, support is no less for the whole lot of them.

“All those Palsy diseases are terrible 😞 get well soon.”

Forbes interview wasn’t the only instance that gave away Thomas’ condition. Even during his NBA TV recent stint, his lips appeared noticeably asymmetrical. As a netizen pointed out, “This explains why his mouth and face were slightly irregular on NBATV a couple weeks ago. Hope he can get well soon.”

Other fans too chimed in “Get well soon Zeke🤲,” “Get better champ,” and “Damn prayers up.”

It also reminded one of fans of the days Isiah Thomas back in court — the star guard who had put up 25 points on an injured ankle in the third quarter alone. Though he lost the series, victory was his and the Pistons’ in the 2 years that followed. That’s the memory a fan reminisces today. “😢 I had season tickets years ago, when Isiah was part of the “Bad Boys” and the won the Championship. 🙏.”

Though a tough battle, Zeke is known to handle one well. As he recovers, Isiah Thomas also sent his gratitude for the fans’ constant support during his appearance on NBA TV.