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 loss to the Hawks, getting toasted by Hawks point guard Trae Young and failing to look in sync with the offense. He finished with four points on 1-of-5 shooting with three turnovers.

Fizdale sat Payton on Wednesday to get a closer look at Ntilikina, who was excellent defensively in the fourth quarter but was a dud on offense (two points).

The Pistons, who reportedly may have interest in Ntilikina, have had scouts at the past two Knicks games. Pistons scout Tom Barrise attended last Friday’s game versus Washington and Detroit assistant GM Malik Rose was on hand Wednesday.

The Knicks have attempted to trade Ntilikina since last season and have to make a huge decision on his contract option for his fourth year, worth $6.3 million, by the Oct. 31 deadline. The Knicks could be trying to up his trade value — even protect him from his groin soreness. Fizdale sounded off base when he complimented the way the Frenchman ran the offense Wednesday.

Payton, signed as a free agent to a one-year, $8 million deal with a second-year option, started the first two games, playing excellently in the opener before a dud in the next one. But he’s the veteran of the trio and posted five straight triple-doubles last season for the Pelicans.

“We’re on the same page,’’ Payton told The Post about resting Wednesday.

Fizdale feels Smith deserves more of a chance. He’s the key piece to the Kristaps Porzingis trade and he, too, has a fourth-year contract option with an Oct. 31 deadline.

“I feel like I’m getting them all [some time],’’ Fizdale said. “I feel like I gave all three guys ample opportunity to show what they can do.”

Regarding Smith’s shaky outing, Fizdale said “just rusty. His body seems to be doing OK. He had a really good practice.”

Fizdale also briefly spotted RJ Barrett at point guard Wednesday. The concern is all four players are poor outside shooters. One personnel man said, “Literally no offensive threat from the PG position with Frank in there.’’

Meanwhile, Payton has no revenge motive against his former team, the Pelicans, who moved on by netting Lonzo Ball. Payton disputed that, saying he could have returned if he’d wanted.

“They asked me to come back,’’ Payton said. “I just felt this was a better situation. It was a better fit. [Ball] had no effect. I’m not afraid of competition.’’

No extra sauce? “It’s more about us to get chemistry down pat with his team,’’ Payton said. “It’s another game — like versus Atlanta or any team.”

Fizdale said SG Allonzo Trier, who did not play Wednesday, will get action Friday. … Despite the 100-96 loss Wednesday, Julius Randle was happy about the progress on defense — which is its No. 1 priority this season. The Knicks allowed 19 3-pointers and 115 points against the Wizards. “Our focus has been defense,’’ Randle said. “Offense is easiest thing in the NBA to take care of. Defensively we’re trying to establish our identity. Compared to the game before, we took a step in the right direction.’’