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

Karl-Anthony Towns did not 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 loss to the Bulls.

Towns knocked legs with Chicago’s Zach LaVine.

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

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 with the Timberwolves.

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.