The NBA playoffs are set to kick off on Saturday, where coaching adjustments, in-game matchups and star power ultimately define outcomes.
However, as teams key in on opposing superstars to limit their impact, the spotlight often shifts to role players and unsung contributors. In a postseason where every possession matters, which players are poised to step up and make a difference? Here are five of the most underrated players heading into the playoffs.
76ers guard Quentin Grimes is capable of being a solid piece for Philadelphia ahead of its first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics. Grimes had a strong 2024-25 campaign by averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 28 games (traded from Dallas midseason).
Philadelphia brought Grimes back on a one-year contract to be a reliable contributing piece off the bench. Grimes is touted for being a legitimate perimeter threat and can defend opposing teams’ best offensive players.
The 25-year-old started the season strong by averaging a combined 17.4 points in October and November. However, his production has since dipped, and it showed in Philadelphia’s play-in game against the Orlando Magic. Grimes will have a lot to prove as he enters free agency this summer.
Lakers guard Luke Kennard is set to be the primary ball-handler due to the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Kennard was traded to the Lakers midseason from Atlanta and is now the second option behind LeBron James. In six games as a starter, Kennard averaged 12.5 points, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds. The 29-year-old guard is known for his deep shooting efficiency and high basketball IQ.
Kennard showed a glimpse of his capabilities in a triple-double performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Can Kennard rise to the occasion alongside James against a fifth-ranked Houston defense?
Tari Eason is another player who will need to shine come playoff time. Eason is accredited for his hustle mentality and ability to disrupt offenses based on sheer grit.
Eason started the campaign strong by shooting 48 percent from three-point range in 26 games, but slumped when January rolled around (31.6 percent). In fact, Eason shot just 20 percent from three-point range in March.
However, he was an essential piece in Houston’s eight-game winning streak and scored in double figures in seven out of the last 10 games. Eason’s energy and tenacity as a defender will be vital for the Rockets’ championship hopes.
Cleveland’s Sam Merrill is having the best statistical year of his six-season career. Merrill averaged 12.8 points while having shot 46.1 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range.
As a starter, Merrill averaged 14 points in 38 games for Cleveland. The Cavaliers are set to face the Toronto Raptors in the first round, and it’s fair to believe that Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic will concentrate on stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Merrill’s elite shooting prowess and ability to space the floor will be crucial in the postseason for Cleveland.
Spurs forward Julian Champagnie is one of San Antonio’s solid contributors. In 68 games as a starter, Champagnie averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
The 24-year-old broke the franchise record for most threes in a season with 195. Champagnie is a proven perimeter threat as well as a player who influences spacing and rebounding.
San Antonio is built around Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, but if Champagnie can continue to shoot well, defend effectively and do the simple things, he could be the piece that can propel the Spurs upward.
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