Knicks' Smith out with illness Tuesday vs. Nets

The New York Knicks will be short one shooting guard and a whole lot of tattoos Tuesday night.

J.R. Smith will miss the team's borough battle with the Brooklyn Nets due to flu-like symptoms. Smith was sent home from practice Monday with the illness and was never really expected to suit up.

Smith's absence could stall the offense for the Knicks' second unit, especially with Amar'e Stoudemire joining the starting lineup Tuesday. Smith has come off the bench in 13 of his 17 games this year, averaging 9.2 points and 3.4 assists. He's generally a more effective scorer than he's been through November, but he's gone ice cold from long range, shooting 27.8 percent.

On the season, the Knicks have been far worse when Smith takes the floor, bleeding an additional 10.5 points per 100 possessions on defense with no resultant offensive gain. Part of that is because Smith's playing time is staggered with Carmelo Anthony's to keep a scorer on the floor, but he's also facing opposing benches more often.

It's been a tough start for Earl, to be sure.