Karl-Anthony Towns ruled out for Knicks’ rivalry game vs. Nets in injury concern

The Knicks had to use a different starting lineup for the first time this season. 

Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t play in Friday’s contest against the Nets because of a contused left knee, an injury he picked up toward the end of Wednesday’s heartbreaking defeat to the Bulls. 

Towns had knocked legs with Chicago’s Zach LaVine.

He limped through a couple possessions, grimacing in pain, but never checked out.

Karl-Anthony Towns grabs his knee during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ loss to the Bulls on Nov. 13. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

He was listed as questionable before being ruled out on the same day as his 29th birthday. 

Towns’ availability has been a question in recent campaigns, with the center failing to play more than 62 games in four of the last five seasons. 

Jericho Sims took his lineup spot at center with Precious Achiuwa missing his 12th straight game with a strained hamstring.  

Towns was joined on the inactive list by Miles McBride, who was also a late scratch due to an illness. 

Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks’ loss to the Bulls on Nov. 13. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

McBride has also been dealing with knee soreness.

Cam Payne, who returned from a hamstring strain earlier this week, was expected to play a bigger role of the bench.