Dennis Smith nears return as Ntilikina experiment hope dies

Dennis Smith Jr. was back to practice and back to talking.

In his first public comments since throwing his back out and missing six straight games, Smith revealed an MRI exam showed a disc issue. Indicating he’ll need further rehab to correct the malady, the 21-year-old Smith believes he will be back on the court sooner than later.

After practicing limitedly, Smith is being listed as questionable when the 14-60 Knicks continue their six-game homestand against Toronto on Thursday.

There was no update on Frank Ntilikina’s reinjured groin, but the chances of ever seeing Smith and Ntilikina share the backcourt by season’s end are growing bleaker. The point guards were selected back-to-back in the…