The latest DFS breakdown from analyst Bryan Armenta zeroes in on Tuesday’s Eastern Conference Finals showdown, where the New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers. While superstar names dominate the conversation, the real value may lie in the less heralded contributors.
The Undervalued Edge
Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ defensive anchor, brings a modest 5.7 points per game but could see a surge in production against a Cavaliers frontcourt that ranks near the bottom in defensive rebounding. His 41 percent free‑throw shooting has limited minutes, yet the matchup’s pace suggests he may still log enough possessions to impact the board.
Sam Merrill, meanwhile, has quietly become a reliable scoring option for Cleveland. In 13 playoff appearances he averages 8.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. A 23‑point outburst in Game 7 against the Pistons illustrates his capacity to explode when the perimeter defense loosens.
Strategic Implications
Cleveland’s tendency to surrender 13.6 three‑pointers per game opens up space for a guard who can knock down outside shots, while New York’s 12th‑most three‑point allowance against opponents hints at a potential mismatch. Merrill’s recent form against the Knicks, including two 11‑point outings this season, further fuels the case for his inclusion in bargain‑focused lineups.
Coaches will likely weigh Robinson’s defensive contributions against his limited offensive output, especially with Kenny Atkinson’s system emphasizing rebounding and rim protection. If the Knicks can force the Cavaliers to rely on interior scoring, Robinson’s presence could swing the rebounding battle, making his modest salary an attractive risk‑reward proposition.