Giannis Antetokounmpo: Updates on Bucks Star's Ankle and Return

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo left Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a sprained left ankle. However, he was back in Thursday's starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings. 

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Antetokounmpo to Start vs. Kings

Thursday, Dec. 18

Giannis Antetokounmpo is back in the Bucks' starting lineup this evening confirms the team's official Twitter account:

The news is a big relief for a Bucks team who is still reeling with the news rookie Jabari Parker will miss the remainder of the season with a ACL tear. 

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Antetokounmpo Leaves With Ankle Injury

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Giannis Antetokounmpo exited Wednesday's game against the Blazers with an ankle sprain. 

Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had the report:

Antetokounmpo went down after driving for a layup and landing awkwardly on his left leg. 

Milwaukee is loaded with wing players, so head coach Jason Kidd will likely divvy up the minutes left unoccupied by Antetokounmpo pretty evenly.

Jared Dudley may return to the starting lineup, but Kidd won't have the services of Jabari Parker in the mix after ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the rookie suffered a torn ACL.

The Bucks are more than equipped to handle a short-term absence. The concern becomes if Antetokounmpo misses an extended period that could hamper his growth. The 20-year-old is still at a point where every minute of court time is valuable, and every minute lost could be all the more damaging.

The entire state of Wisconsin should be hoping basketball Twitter's favorite son is back on the floor soon.

Follow Tyler Conway on Twitter @tylerconway22.