Is Jrue Holiday playing tonight against the New York Knicks? 2021-22 NBA season

Jrue Holiday's presence will be invaluable on both ends of the floor for the Milwaukee Bucks. [Photo: NBA.com]

Jrue Holiday's absence in the last five games is one of the biggest reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks are somewhat shaky at the start of the season. The Bucks will host the New York Knicks in a marquee matchup of playoff contenders and could certainly use the All-Star guard in this game.

Before the Milwaukee Bucks’ last win against the ineffective Detroit Pistons, they slumped to a three-game losing streak, including losses to San Antonio and Minnesota. Without Holiday in the fold, the defending champs just didn’t have the defensive edge and tenacity that their starting point guard brings.

In six games without Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks’s defensive rating is at 109.1. With the All-NBA defensive talent on the roster, Mike Budenholzer’s team is at 105.2. The sharp decline in their defensive performance without the 31-year old is evidence of what Milwaukee is missing without him. There's a reason why the Bucks are 2-0 when he plays.

1-4 without Jrue holiday

2-0 with Jrue holiday

The bucks need Jrue’s defense and his offensive ability’s on the court and the stats show it

He’s very important for this team, maybe even more important then Khris right now https://t.co/4lTaNdOG1C

The visiting New York Knicks will come in with one of the best offenses in the league. They are third in offensive rating and second in three-point field goal percentage. He will be invaluable in trying to contain New York's vaunted perimeter scoring led by Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier and RJ Barrett.

What is Jrue Holiday’s status for tonight’s game against the New York Knicks?

Jrue Holiday's defense will be a severe test for the New York Knicks' sizzling backcourt.

The Milwaukee Bucks have listed Jrue Holiday as probable, which is just about as good as available. Holiday has also indicated coming into this game that he intends to play against the New York Knicks.

Bucks star Khris Middleton has been out for health and safety protocols. Jrue Holiday, out with ankle sprain, said he plans to play vs. Knicks. Best PG defender in NBA.

In two games for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, Jrue Holiday has averaged 14 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3 assists. The numbers look pedestrian, but almost always make plays that sometimes do not show on the scoresheet.

His knack for being in the right place and at the right time, particularly on defense, galvanizes the team in so many ways. As the point guard, he quickly transitions the Bucks’ defense to offense.

Many of the best perimeter players in the game call him the best defender in the league. His presence on the floor for the Milwaukee Bucks should greatly help them in their matchup against the New York Knicks.