Carmelo Anthony out vs. Thunder

— -- NEW YORK -- Because of lingering pain from a left ankle injury, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony did not play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day.

Anthony suffered a sprained left ankle on Monday against Orlando and was listed as questionable coming into the game. He met with team trainers and the medical staff before the game and was ruled out about 45 minutes before tipoff.

Wednesday is Anthony's first missed game this season. His absence looms large for New York; Anthony is averaging 26.3 points per game and has led the team in scoring in all 27 of its games.

The Knicks (9-18) were also without point guard Raymond Felton, who is sidelined indefinitely with a groin injury. Metta World Peace also missed his second straight game because of soreness in his left knee.

However, Kenyon Martin played on Wednesday after missing five games with an abdominal strain.

With Felton and Anthony out, the Knicks started Beno Udrih and Shumpert in the backcourt and J.R. Smith, Andrea Bargnani and Tyson Chandler in the frontcourt against the Thunder.

Head coach Mike Woodson said before the game that Shumpert would match up against Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Smith would guard Kevin Durant.

Anthony's and Felton's statuses for Friday's game against Toronto is unknown at this point. Felton returned to the court on Monday against Orlando after missing six games with a hamstring strain. But he left Monday's game in the fourth quarter with a groin ailment. Woodson said Felton would be evaluated by team doctors on Thursday to determine his status.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.