Milwaukee Bucks: 3 notable things to watch against Washington Wizards
How much will Jrue Holiday play for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards?
Although they’ve now lost four of their last five games, there was still a positive to come out of the Bucks’ loss to the Knicks (well, a couple of positives). Jrue Holiday made his much-anticipated return after missing a few games with an ankle sprain — and also a cold which held him out a bit longer.
Holiday was limited to just over 20 minutes against the Knicks and didn’t fully look like himself with five turnovers, went 3-of-8 from the field, and was a minus-12. He didn’t start the game either but should see his minutes increase tonight.
He will likely see a lot of Beal on the defensive end but should be able to take advantage of the Wizards backcourt on offense. No matter the amount he plays, simply having him in the lineup is vitally important.
It has been a slog for the Bucks as they’ve gone without three of their four most important players for a longer stretch than they’re used to.
Last year, the Bucks had at least 3 of Giannis, Middleton, Holiday and Lopez on the floor for about 57% of non-garbage time possessions. So far this year it’s just under 8%.
— Anchorage Man (@SethPartnow) November 6, 2021
Getting Holiday back is a great first step for the Bucks in a return to some normalcy. Although there is no timetable for Middleton or Lopez’s return, their returns will both add some much-needed talent into the lineup while also asking less from the role players.
It has been great to see certain guys step up through the beginning of the season and getting this type of experience in expanded roles will pay off down the road this season, but to win these games they need their best players.
Next. Milwaukee Bucks: How does each 2021-22 new addition look thus far?. dark
It’s a frustrating stretch for Milwaukee Bucks fans right now but missing three of their five starters from last season (and one on a minutes limit) is a reason to remain patient.