The Indiana Fever will play their second game of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks after suffering a 107-104 loss to the Dallas Wings. Many of their starters are currently on minute restrictions. Hence, head coach Stephanie White is not overly worried about the defeat and believes her team can turn things around once everyone returns.
One of those players is guard Lexie Hull. She missed all of the preseason games due to tightness in her hamstring. She was cleared to play against Dallas, but was restricted to 15 minutes on the court. Now, ahead of the road game in Los Angeles, Hull shared a fresh update regarding her injury.
“Good,” she replied to reporters when asked how her hamstring feels. “We still might be on a bit of a minute restriction, but I feel good to be out there. It’s great to be back with the girls and get to play live, for sure.”
She will still be on a minute restriction, but her body has almost returned to full health. Hull was an essential piece for the team last year. She played 44 games for the Fever, averaging 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She was awarded a two-year, $1.56 million extension during the offseason.
Monique Billings Shares Injury Update Before Sparks Game.
GettyMonique Billings of the Indiana Fever celebrates with Sophie Cunningham.
Another player on restriction is forward Monique Billings. She signed a two-year, $1.6 million deal with Indiana after spending last season with the Golden State Valkyries. She started all of her preseason games but tweaked her ankle in the third game, leading to her being restricted for the time being.
“I’m so excited. We’re at UCLA, grew up here, so it’s really cool coming back. It’s a homecoming for me, always playing in the city and in front of my family and friends,” Billings shared before the game. “Really looking forward to that, and I feel healthy, so ready to go and be out there with my team.”
She felt “wanted” and “valued” in Indiana. Her time playing for Team USA, along with the opportunity to work with head coach Stephanie White and Caitlin Clark, swayed her decision to don the Fever colors.
Indiana Fever Injury Report Before Sparks Game
No injuries.
The official injury report released by the team listed no players, which is extremely good news considering Indiana’s last season was heavily marred by injuries. The most notable blow to the team was Caitlin Clark’s injury issues. She appeared in only 13 games due to a right groin injury and other compounding lower-body problems.
Sophie Cunningham also suffered a torn MCL, which caused her to miss the end of the season. As a result, coach Stephanie White never truly had her full arsenal at her disposal.
After the first game, it became evident that the team needs to work on its defensive strategies. Despite playing superbly well and scoring more than 100 points, they allowed the opposition to score just as much. The team also needs to communicate better and play more cohesively.
One thing White pointed out after the last game was Cunningham’s lack of involvement in the offense. She needs to play off Kelsey Mitchell and Clark when they attack. She could become a third perimeter threat, especially when those two pull defenders away from the paint.
Fever’s Lexie Hull’s Shares Final Injury Update Before Sparks Game