Undervalued Gems in the Eastern Conference Finals
The Eastern Conference Finals have taken an unexpected turn, with the New York Knicks securing two straight victories and forcing the series back to Cleveland for Game 3. The shift in venue brings a fresh set of storylines, as the league's marquee names — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden — are all expected to feature prominently.
Among the cheaper options on the DraftKings slate, Sam Merrill of the Cleveland Cavaliers stands out as a high‑upside play. Priced at a modest $2,800, the guard’s low cost is amplified by the Knicks’ penchant for surrendering three‑point attempts. Although Merrill has struggled to breach the 20‑point fantasy threshold in most of his 15 postseason outings, his recent 12‑point effort in Game 1 and the Cavaliers’ league‑wide reputation for generous perimeter defense make him an intriguing risk‑reward proposition.
Another bench piece drawing attention is Landry Shamet of the New York Knicks. At the same $2,800 price tag, Shamet offers minimal exposure while delivering consistent scoring — he has posted at least nine points in three of his last four games. His ability to contribute from the second unit could prove decisive against a Cavaliers team that ranks fifth worst in defending the three‑point line, allowing opponents to shoot 37.1% from deep.
The broader statistical backdrop reinforces the appeal of these low‑cost options. Opponents have been knocking down 13.5 three‑pointers per game against Cleveland, a figure that places the Cavaliers among the league’s most vulnerable defenses from beyond the arc. Consequently, players who can generate perimeter offense at a discount become especially valuable in a DFS context where salary cap flexibility often dictates success.
While the spotlight will naturally fall on the star‑studded starting lineups, the tournament’s deeper layers often reveal the most compelling value. Whether it’s Merrill’s cheap upside or Shamet’s steady production, savvy lineup builders will look to blend risk management with the potential for outsized returns as the series heads back to Cleveland.