If you’re scouting Frank Ntilikina, don’t bother to show at the Garden on Friday.
As the point-guard derby grew weirder, Knicks coach David Fizdale announced Ntilikina will sit out the preseason finale versus the Zion Williamson-less Pelicans so he can get a closer look at Dennis Smith Jr. and Elfrid Payton.
Presumably, Payton will start Friday and it appears it’s still his job to lose.
After missing the first two preseason games with a back strain, a rusty Smith was brutal in his preseason debut in the Hawks’ loss, getting toasted by Hawks point guard Trae Young and failing to look in sync with the offense.