Knicks' Landry Shamet and Cavaliers' Sam Merrill Offer Low-Cost DFS Options for Game 3

TL;DR: Sam Merrill of the Cavaliers is listed at $3,800 and Landry Shamet of the Knicks at $2,800 on DraftKings for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Both players offer low‑cost upside in a slate dominated by stars priced above $9,000.

Context: The Knicks lead the series 2‑0 after two home wins, shifting the series to Cleveland for Game 3. Starters such as Jalen Brunson, Karl‑Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden occupy the top salary tiers, leaving limited budget for role players.

Coaches have increasingly turned to bench shooters to spark offense when the starters rest.

Key Facts: Merrill's price of $3,800 makes him the fourth‑cheapest Cavalier on the slate.

In Game 2 Cleveland shot just 9 of 35 from three‑point range, a 25.7% mark, and Merrill missed all seven of his attempts.

Over the playoffs he has failed to reach 20 fantasy points in 13 of his 15 appearances.

Shamet, priced at $2,800, has logged at least nine points in three of his last four games and saw 15 minutes off the bench in Game 2 despite a scoreless night.

Cleveland has allowed opponents to shoot 37.1% from three this season, the fifth‑worst rate in the league, which could benefit New York’s perimeter bench.

What It Means: For DFS constructors, Merrill’s low salary provides a path to fit multiple high‑priced stars while hoping for a rebound in three‑point shooting; his recent cold streak suggests volatility but also potential for a sudden uptick.

Shamet offers similar salary relief with a track record of short bursts of scoring and the Cavaliers’ weak perimeter defense creates a favorable matchup for a catch‑and‑shoot role.

Both players carry risk—Merrill’s inconsistency and Shamet’s limited minutes—but their cost leaves room for other lineup flexibility.

Watch for changes in three‑point attempts and minutes allocation in Game 3, as any increase in usage could quickly shift their fantasy outlook.