The Eastern Conference Finals get started this evening, with the Knicks hosting the Cavaliers. On this one-game featured NBA DFS slate, every decision matters for fantasy managers. Superstars will take the court tonight, including Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,800), Donovan Mitchell ($10,400), Jalen Brunson ($10,200) and James Harden ($10,000).
As previously mentioned, options are limited tonight. Still, there’s several under the radar names that are worth consideration in this one. Snagging a few low-cost role players could boost any lineup this evening. Which bargains deserve a closer look ahead of Tuesday’s Cleveland-New York matchup?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $400K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (CLE @ NYK)
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks ($4,400)
Despite his reputation as New York’s x-factor, it hasn’t been the busiest postseason for Mitchell Robinson. Granted, it’s not as if the team has needed him to do much during rounds one and two. Through nine playoff games, the big man is averaging 5.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks (14.9 FPTS). Both Atlanta and Philadelphia employed the hack-a-Mitch strategy to mixed results. Still, the center’s miserable shooting at the line (41 FT%) is something that limits his overall minutes. It’ll be interesting to see if Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson goes with a similar approach in this series.
Even with his free-throw struggles, Robinson is capable of dominating in this matchup. Back in 2023, his prowess on the glass proved crucial during New York’s first round victory over the Cavs. Granted, that was three years ago. Opposing bigs Evan Mobley ($8,800) and Jarrett Allen ($7,000) aren’t pushovers, either. Still, as a unit, Cleveland is giving up the 15th-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. This postseason, the Cavaliers have recorded the third-worst defensive rebounding rate out of all 16 teams. That does’t inspire much confidence when it comes to boxing out one of the sport’s premier offensive rebounders.
SG Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,000)
Much like Robinson, it’s been an inconsistent postseason to put it mildly for Sam Merrill. To be fair, that’s to be expected when the vast majority of your production comes from scoring. Over 13 playoff appearances, the guard is putting up 8.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game (12.9 FPTS). Still, he’s shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range during that time. To boot, Merrill is coming off of a 23-point performance (30.8 FPTS) in Game 7 against the Pistons. He’ll look to carry over that momentum tonight in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Although the Knicks are a better team than Detroit, they aren’t as formidable when it comes to guarding the perimeter. New York has allowed 13.6 three-pointers made per game this season, 12th-most in the NBA. Merrill has had some modest success in this spot as well. The sixth-year pro has scored at least 11 points in two of three meetings with the Knicks this season. With Harden and Mitchell drawing in plenty of defensive attention, there should be several open looks from deep for Cleveland’s shooters. At just $4,000, Merrill is a worthwhile dart throw on Tuesday.
