Fever renew hopes of having Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull for the 2026 WNBA season opener

Lexie Hull was unable to see game action during the preseason, but she is hopeful of being alongside Caitlin Clark and her teammates in the Indiana Fever’s 2026 WNBA season opener.

May 04, 2026 05:50PM EDT

**© Justin Casterline/Getty Images**Caitlin Clark #22 and Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever.

The Indiana Fever’s excitement for a new season is high. For the first time in a long while, they will have Caitlin Clark at full strength, as well as Lexie Hull, who is hopeful of being available for the 2026 WNBA season opener against the Dallas Wings.

“I feel great,” the shooting guard said in an interview after missing the preseason games due to injury. Clark, meanwhile, hit one of her knees in one of those matchups, which raised concern among both fans and observers.

The Fever’s main star appeared at today’s practice wearing a leg sleeve, but Stephanie White downplayed the situation. “It looks good on her, doesn’t it?” the head coach said, via the Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson. It’s “a style thing,” she added.

Next Saturday, May 9, Indiana will begin a new dream of reaching the Finals. Expecting a full-packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they will host Paige Bueckers’ team in an attempt to start on the right foot.

Leg sleeve Caitlin has entered the building pic.twitter.com/A0cwJ7hECa
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 4, 2026

The injury that has troubled Hull

Lexie Hull was sidelined for the entire 2026 preseason due to a lingering hamstring injury. Initially described as “hamstring tightness,” the issue forced her to miss all three exhibition games against the New York Liberty, Dallas Wings, and the Nigerian National Team as head coach Stephanie White opted for a precautionary approach.

Caitlin Clark’s injury playing for Fever against Wings is not as concerning as it was thought

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever.

Positive preseason for Indiana

The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, showcased a high-powered offense throughout their three-game preseason slate. They kicked off with a dominant 109–91 victory over the New York Liberty, followed by a tough 95–80 loss against the Dallas Wings.

The Fever closed out their exhibition schedule in spectacular fashion, routing the Nigerian National Team 105–57. These performances highlighted the team’s scoring potential and the growing chemistry between Clark and the rest of the roster as they prepare for the 2026 regular season.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever.

The first challenges for the Fever

With the main goal of starting the season in strong form and ultimately going beyond the semifinal finish achieved in 2025, these are the first games the Fever will face:

vs Dallas Wings, May 9th
at Los Angeles Sparks, May 13th
vs Washington Mystics, May 15th
vs Seattle Storm, May 17th
vs Portland Fire, May 20th

Matías Persuh

Matias Persuh is a sports journalist and writer who began his career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Sports Journalism in 2008. Over the years, he has covered numerous events, including local soccer games, and has conducted interviews with players and coaches. In addition to his writing, Matias has contributed as a columnist on various radio shows. Joining Bolavip US in July 2024 marked a significant step forward in his career, allowing him to continue developing his skills and delivering resonant news about U.S. sports to the audience.