Milwaukee Bucks: Previewing potential playoff matchup versus Charlotte Hornets

Can Jrue Holiday continue his recent hot streak for the Milwaukee Bucks?

Calling Jrue Holiday’s recent play a hot streak seems to be more of an understatement. With Antetokounmpo’s knee soreness taking him in and out of the lineup, Holiday has stepped up tremendously for the Bucks in his absence.

In his last six games, Holiday is averaging 24.8 points on .584/.457/.882 shooting splits, 5.2 rebounds, seven assists, and 1.8 steals per contest. Although the guard had a disappointing performance in last night’s 116-101 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, his recent efforts overall deserve praise.

The Bucks will need another big game from the guard in tonight’s matchup against the Hornets, but even more so in a potential playoff series. Holiday will certainly be in the conversation to earn his third All-Defensive selection this season, and that defensive prowess will be critical against this Charlotte team. With a healthy LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward added into the equation alongside Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, the Hornets have no shortage of talented pieces on the offensive side of the ball.

In tonight’s matchup, Holiday will primarily be glued to Terry Rozier, who has given Milwaukee some trouble in the past. The guard is having a career year by averaging 20.3 points, and he will be expected to carry more of the load with the injuries hitting the roster. Keeping him in check will be Holiday’s assignment defensively.

Holiday is heating up at the right time for the Bucks, and they would love to see him carry this newfound momentum up into the postseason. His fantastic two-way play was the reason they sold the farm to acquire him this past offseason, and it has been on full display as of late.

While a Bucks versus Hornets seven-game series remains purely hypothetical at the time of this writing, this two could undoubtedly clash in the coming weeks depending on how the standings shake out.