The New York Knicks open tonight’s Emirates NBA Cup against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden, but they will do so without a few key contributors.

According to SNY insider Ian Begley, Karl-Anthony Towns is out for the Knicks tonight with a knee injury. The team also will be without backup point guard Miles McBride, who is battling an illness.

With Towns out, the Knicks will start Jericho Sims alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.

Through the first eleven games of the season, Towns is averaging 26.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. In his last outing against the Chicago Bulls, Towns scored 46 points, but the Knicks were unable to pull off a victory.

Towns was a decision in tonight’s game, so there is hope the knee injury isn’t too serious. However, with the Knicks already down Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, the team is running out of options in the frontcourt, and they need a spark from that position who can stay healthy.

With Towns out, rookie Ariel Hukporti could also see an extended look in the second unit as the Knicks look for a win against the Nets.

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