NJ - tenant is not paying rent and radio silent

I have some properties in a different state so I don't know NJ laws well but my friend was in this situation and was asking for suggestions.

So these tenants moved in around February of this year and paid rent well for the first few months. Then by May or so the rent check bounced, which eventually paid. Then the next month again it bounced and they did not pay it. The following month they were to pay 2 months worth, which again, a no go. By August they were told to pay up or the eviction process would start. They only paid 2 months worth and promised to pay the rest by the end of the month. This did not happen and they went radio silent. Regardless of trying to speak to them about options, they wouldn't communicate at all. The eviction process has started and there's a court date in December.

NJ is a tenant friendly state far as I can tell but what can be done here? I suggested paying them to leave but supposedly the property management team is saying that the tenants most likely won't move since they have nowhere else to go. The PM and lawyer basically aren't being helpful beyond saying wait till court date.

If the eviction date comes and they make up an excuse and don't show up what happens? If they do show up and make a case that they have nowhere to go and claim they'll try to pay then don't then? Or if they pay a small portion, does that get them off the hook for a time? How long could it possibly go if they do whatever they can to stall?

Anyone with any experience and/or suggestions?

Thanks!