The Knicks had to change their starting lineup for the first time this season.
Karl-Anthony Towns did not play in Friday's game against the Nets due to a left knee contusion he suffered late in Wednesday's heartbreaking loss to the Bulls.
Towns was in a fight with Chicago's Zach LaVine.
Wincing in pain, he limped through several possessions, but never checked out.
He was listed as questionable, but was ruled out on the same day as his 29th birthday.
Towns' availability has been questioned in recent seasons, with the center failing to play more than 62 games in four of the past five seasons.
With Precious Achiuwa missing 12 consecutive games with a hamstring strain, Jericho Sims has taken over the center spot.
Towns joins Miles McBride on the unavailable list, who also missed out due to illness.
McBride has also been dealing with knee pain.
Cam Payne, who returned from a hamstring strain earlier this week, was expected to play a bigger role on the bench.
