Is Lexie Hull Playing Tonight vs Aces? Possible Line-Up For Fever In WNBA Semifinals Game 3

After losing the last game against Las Vegas, Indiana has a huge opportunity to turn their fate around this time. Game 3 is in Indianapolis, and we all know how tough playing in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse can be with 17,000 fans rooting against the visiting team. “The crowd’s gonna be rocking, the building’s gonna be rocking.” However, with energy on the stands, the Indiana Fever fans fear another key contributor is on the injury report.

Lexie Hull has been battling back issues for the entire playoffs, but she hasn’t let it seep onto the court. Sure, you must’ve seen the star applying a heat pack to her lower back on the sidelines, but Hull’s management of the injury has clearly worked. The six-foot-one forward’s performances have kept the Fever in contention, and it would be a major advantage to A’ja Wilson and her squad if she sits out for Game 3. Let’s take a look at what we know.

Will Lexie Hull play in Game 3?

To answer the question on everybody’s mind, Lexie Hull is listed as probable on the Indiana Fever’s injury report for Game 3. The Fever forward has been on the injury report for the past few games because of a lingering back injury. But even though she’s not been at a hundred percent, Hull has been essential in Indiana’s playoff campaigns so far.

According to head coach Stephanie White, however, there’s a high chance that Hull will be taking the court tonight. “I anticipate her being ready unless there’s any sort of setback,” White said in the pre-game media availability. Hull’s continued presence in the squad would do wonders for the Fever’s momentum heading into this matchup.

Sept. 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dribbles past Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbride Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/Imagn Images via Indianapolis Star

So far, Lexie Hull is averaging 9.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in the playoffs, taking on a larger role with more minutes to give the team the best possible chance at success. Although her offensive numbers have shot higher than ever before during the postseason, the main focus has been on the six-foot-one forward’s defense.

It’s not easy to quantify exactly how Hull impacts the game through a box score, but she keeps her hands active, initiates contact, and shuts players down before they can get to their spot. And according to Hull, that style of play is what will lead Indiana past Las Vegas. “Playing solid defense is what it’s going to come down to,” she explained. “We have to stay disciplined and focused on limiting their opportunities.”

Probable lineup for the Indiana Fever

Heading into Game 3 of the semifinals, the Indiana Fever has an incredible opportunity ahead of it. If Stephanie White’s team manages to win both games at home, they can walk into the Finals in an underdog story that no one could’ve even imagined. So it’s obvious that they’ll put their best five on the court, barring any unexpected injuries. Indiana’s starting five will look something like this:

Natasha Howard Aliyah Boston Kelsey Mitchell Odyssey Sims Lexie Hull (GTD)

The spotlight is definitely going to be on the game officials as complaints of physicality and poor refereeing have been front and center for this entire playoff series so far. Stephanie White, after getting blown out in Game 2, let loose a candid comment on the situation. “Well, it’s hard for us to find flow when there is a foul called every 10 seconds,” she said to a reporter asking if a lack of rhythm was what destroyed the Fever’s chances in the second game.

On the other hand, Becky Hammon complained about how blatant the physicality was getting, comparing it to a bar fight. It seems like both sides are dissatisfied for entirely different reasons, so it will be quite interesting to see how the WNBA officials manage this issue. There are a lot of prominent narratives heading into this semifinal matchup, so stay tuned, it’s gonna be a doozy as the Fever hit the court and Caitlin and Co. continue with their ‘bench mob’ moves!

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