The Indiana Fever kicked off their season against the Dallas Wings, and fans may have noticed one familiar face spending more time on the bench than on the court. Lexie Hull, expected to be a key contributor this year, is playing limited minutes—and there's a good reason why.

Head coach Stephanie White confirmed before the game that Hull is on a minutes restriction. The reason? A hamstring injury kept her out of the entire preseason, meaning she hasn't had the chance to build up to full game speed. It's a cautious approach, but one that makes sense for a long season ahead.

Hull will still see the floor, but she'll be doing so with a white leg sleeve as she works her way back to full conditioning. While she's not a starter when the roster is fully healthy, she's a valuable piece off the bench—a player who can bring energy and solid play when called upon.

For now, the Fever are playing the long game. With a full season ahead, expect Hull to gradually work her way into a more prominent role in the rotation. Patience now could pay off big later.