Bucks’ Jrue Holiday is expected to return to the roster on Sunday against the Clippers after missing 10 straight games, compared

The Milwaukee Bucks caused a stir this offseason when they acquired Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans in what ended up being a four-team mega trade. Sadly, Holiday hasn’t had much luck settling down with their new team.

Due to a stint in league health and safety protocols, Holiday was limited to just 23 games in his first season with the Bucks. Luckily for Milwaukee, he’s on his way home and is set to play as early as Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Holiday was sidelined for almost three weeks and missed the Bucks’ last 10 games. While nothing has been confirmed, such a long absence could mean he tested positive for COVID-19. Khris Middleton’s comments after the team’s victory over the Denver Nuggets earlier this month bear this out.

“You really think about it, especially for Jrue,” Middleton said. “There is nothing to play with. And once he tests positive you immediately think about his health, his safety and then his family back home. He also has small children to care for. worrying. some of what was on my mind before the game. I just think about him and his family at home. ”

Without Holiday in the lineup, the Bucks have been hot and cold, recording a 5-5 record that included a five-game losing streak and a four-game winning streak. Holiday’s return will give them a big boost as they look for a five-game winning streak on Sunday. In particular, they’ll need Holiday’s defensive skills against the high-powered Clippers.

Obviously, his absence isn’t the only factor, but just look at this difference on the defensive side:

Before the holidays, enter the protocol	108.9	8th
During the absence of vacation	113.1	19th

Holiday, who averaged 1.9 steals per game before entering protocol, is the Bucks’ best defenseman on the perimeter and often responsible for protecting the team’s primary offensive option. It may take a while before you can do it for more than 30 minutes a night, but just regaining your presence on the floor will be huge for the Bucks.