Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to left ankle soreness. Without the two-time Kia MVP and reigning Finals MVP, Milwaukee fell to undermanned Portland 122-107.

Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game he believes it’s a short-term issue.

Antetokounmpo appeared to hurt his left ankle while stepping on Jae Crowder’s foot during a drive to the basket Thursday in a 131-107 loss at Phoenix, though he did remain in the game.

New acquisition Serge Ibaka made his Bucks debut Monday and filled Antetokounmpo’s spot in the starting lineup. Ibaka had the Bucks’ first six points, but didn’t score again in his 31-minute outing, though he did have seven rebounds.

"That's really kind of unacceptable for us…we need to be a lot better."

Coach Bud's ASL Press Conference: pic.twitter.com/RVRVw89qP1

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 15, 2022

The former Kia NBA MVP is averaging 29.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals over 47 games this season.

Monday’s loss dropped the Bucks (35-23) to fifth place in the East standings, just two games better than sixth-place Boston.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.