Carmelo Anthony misses loss to Houston Rockets with illness

Carmelo Anthony was forced to miss out for the New York Knicks in their game against the Houston Rockets due to illness.

The eight-time All-Star was initially named in the starting lineup for the meeting with the Rockets, before the team confirmed that he was too sick to take to the court.

Lance Thomas replaced Anthony, who is averaging 22.1 points per game this season, for the hosts at Madison Square Garden, but Derek Fisher's side were unable to avoid a 116-111 defeat in overtime.

The Knicks, who are 8-10 for the season, return to action against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.