Carmelo Anthony won't play vs. Rockets due to illness

The New York Knicks will attempt to end a three-game losing streak Sunday against the Houston Rockets without the services of All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony.

The 31-year-old will miss his first game of the season due to an undisclosed illness, and as a result, Lance Thomas will see his first start.

Anthony is putting up his lowest scoring numbers since 2011-12, averaging 22.1 points on 41.3 percent shooting. The 8-9 Knicks have shown improvement, though, as they didn't record their eighth victory last season until Jan. 23.